About Joining Forces

In 2017, the six largest child-focused agencies: ChildFund Alliance, Plan International, Save the Children International, SOS Children’s Villages International, Terre des Hommes International Federation, and World Vision International joined forces. We aim to use our collective power to accelerate change to secure children their rights and end violence against them. We will pilot and scale innovative and effective approaches worldwide and be driven by the voices and needs of children. 

Why we are Joining Forces

Despite remarkable progress for children in many areas, their rights are regularly challenged. Worsening conflict, growing inequality, the negative consequences of migration and the misuse of technology have exacerbated the challenges of gender bias, hunger, poverty, ill-health and exploitation. Violence against children is on the rise and traditional responses are not having the impact needed. In response, we are determined to take advantage of existing frameworks, such as the Convention on the Rights of a Child, as well as new global opportunities, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, and to act with urgency and vigour to end violence and ensure children and young people enjoy their rights.

How we are Joining Forces

As Joining Forces, our approach is to put children at the centre of what we do; we are committed to supporting children to raise their voices, to take action as agents of change and to hold us to account, ensuring children’s experiences and views shape the solutions for the problems they face. We have adopted a rights-based approach by placing the principles of participation and inclusion, non-discrimination and equality at the centre of our work to ensure that all children’s needs are addressed, and that no child is left behind. 

Where we are Joining Forces

Our organisations are working together to implement projects with and for children in these countries: