Glaston as part of Ahlström Collective Impact will continue to support UNICEF’s global educational program in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to children’s education worldwide. The support provided by Ahlström Collective Impact for UNICEF’s educational program this year amounts to close to EUR 800,000.
A key element of this collaboration is the training organized by UNICEF Finland for members of the Ahlström Collective Impact network, emphasizing the importance of children’s rights in business operations and corporate responsibility.
Addressing the Digital Divide
In a rapidly changing world, the digital divide remains a significant barrier for many children and young people. Nearly three-quarters of 15-24-year-olds in the lowest-income countries lack the necessary skills for the workforce, and about two-thirds of school-aged children worldwide do not have internet access at home.
UNICEF’s educational efforts aim to bridge this divide by bringing digital learning to millions of children and young people. This includes training teachers in digital pedagogy and extending these solutions to refugee centers, homes, and schools, even in emergency situations. Thanks to UNICEF’s work, nearly 38 million children gained access to education in 2022, and 14 million children and young people developed skills through digital channels.
Partnership in Action
The Ahlström Collective Impact collaboration extends beyond financial support. Earlier this year, Glaston, as a network member, participated in a study by UNICEF Finland on implementing children’s rights in Finnish-listed companies. Based on the study’s findings, Glaston has further developed its responsibility work.
“Sustainability is at the core of Glaston’s strategy. The ACI cooperation and joining forces with the Ahlström network companies is strongly aligned with Glaston’s value ‘Together we build the future”. We want to be involved in developing sustainable societies and transparency is essential in steering actions. The benchmark study made by UNICEF Finland’s study highlighting specifically children’s rights gave us valuable additional points of view to consider in our sustainability work,” says Päivi Lindqvist, CFO & sponsor of the strategic initiative Elevate sustainability at Glaston.
About Ahlström Collective Impact
The Ahlström Collective Impact collaboration model began in 2020, uniting companies and foundations in the Ahlström network to invest in children’s well-being through selected UNICEF projects aligned with the UN’s sustainable development goals. Members include A. Ahlström, Ahlström Invest, Ahlstrom, Avain Yhtiöt, Destia, Detection Technology, Eva Ahlström Foundation, Glaston, M&J Recycling, Suominen, and Walter Ahlström Foundation.