Norway Shores Up UNICEF Reserves

The Norwegian government will provide USD159 million more to back UNICEF’s programs in 2008 to 2009. The assistance will focus on promoting education for girls to serve as a driver for gender equality and development. “Education, and especially girls’ education, is a critical investment in the future,” UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Hilde Johnson said. “When girls go to school, every development goal set by the international community becomes achievable.” (“Norway contributes USD159 million to UNICEF under new cooperation programme” - UNICEF, Dec. 17, 2008)