How we’re helping kids get their childhoods back

It’s World Humanitarian Day and we’re celebrating our partners’ amazing work to help children and families caught up in disasters and conflicts, often at their own personal risk.

Every parent wants to see their children grow up happy! The basic ingredients are simple: a chance to play, learn and spend time with friends and family. All children, everywhere, have the right to these things.

But during natural disasters and conflicts, children’s lives are turned upside down. Suddenly, even the simple things in life are threatened.

We want to make sure children have the chance to be children. That’s why we give grants and donate IKEA products to our partners who work in humanitarian and emergency situations. Thanks to their commitment, we can create circles of prosperity for children going through very tough times. By addressing their fundamental needs for home, health, education and a sustainable family income, we’re offering them the chance of a better future.

World Humanitarian Day IKEA Foundation

Mattresses, shelters and toys

To support refugee children and families living in Iraq, we’ve donated 400,000 mattresses, quilts and blankets to UNHCR over three years, to provide a comfortable place to sleep.

Working with social enterprise Better Shelter and UNHCR, we’ve also created a flat-pack shelter for refugees, which is safer and more durable than a tent. In 2015, UNHCR ordered 10,000 of these shelters to help refugee families in several countries, including Greece, Iraq and Chad.

A few toys can mean the world to children who have lost everything. Since 2013, we’ve been donating IKEA children’s products to UNICEF for their Early Childhood Development Kits. These treasure boxes of activities support the well-being of children, including those who are caught up in conflicts and emergencies.

World Humanitarian Day IKEA Foundation

Superheroes on the frontline

And when disaster strikes we act swiftly, releasing funds within 48 hours to partners like Save the Children and UNICEF. This money protects vulnerable children in the aftermath of the emergency, for example by getting schools up and running again so they don’t miss out on their education.

“We’re really proud of how we are able to support our partners in times of disasters and conflict,” says Jonathan Spampinato, Head of Communications at the IKEA Foundation.

“On World Humanitarian Day, we’d like to say a huge thank you to our humanitarian partners, especially to their staff and volunteers who work on the frontline in emergencies. They’re the real superheroes, for helping kids in very tough situations to get their childhoods back.

Partner

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
https://www.unhcr.org/

Social

Stay up-to-date and follow us for news and info about exciting grants

  • There’s been great progress in accelerating electric transport in recent years. However, much of it has been enjoyed by wealthier countries. It’s time for a truly global electric vehicle transition.🌍

Our CEO Jessica Anderen spoke at the #ClimateWeekNYC opening ceremony about the Drive Electric campaign’s ‘Leapfrogging Partnership’, supported by the IKEA Foundation 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🚗

This initiative is helping emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia to quickly develop new EV markets and industries 💡 If it succeeds, we can avoid the release of billions of tons of greenhouse gases and improve the lives of millions of people. 

Read more about the partnership via the link in our bio 🔗

#ClimateWeekIKF2024 #ClimateSolutions #DriveElectric
  • The theme for #ClimateWeekNYC 2024 is “It’s Time” ⏰ 

This resonates with our mission to tackle two of the world's greatest humanitarian challenges: poverty and #ClimateChange. 

The transition to a low-carbon future must be fair and inclusive, leaving no one behind. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 A #JustTransition is not only essential for achieving environmental sustainability, but also for building a fairer society. 

📢📢 Follow our socials during Climate Week for insights and stories from our co-workers. 

#ClimateWeekIKF2024 #ClimateSolutions #ClimateConversationTransformation
  • 🌍 ✨ Key Takeaways from the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali

Our Agricultural Livelihoods team participated in the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum.

Here are five takeaways from our team:

1. Empowering local champions: We were inspired by the remarkable work of local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs who are driving climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. Their experience and leadership are driving real change in shaping Africa’s food future.

2. Inclusion of small-holder farmers: There was much discussion about small-holder farmers, but their presence on panels and in discussions was limited despite they being the backbone of Africa’s agricultural sector. It's crucial to include their voices directly to ensure their needs and insights shape future policies and initiatives for sustainable food systems on the continent.

3. Embracing the circular economy and regenerative practices: The forum stressed the rising interest in the circular economy and regenerative agriculture. A strong emphasis was placed on improving soil health, reducing waste, and fostering practices that restore ecosystems.

4. Finance for food system transformation: Finance for food system transformation remains insufficient. There is a critical need for increased investment if we are to shift the focus toward regenerative and sustainable agricultural models.

5. Leveraging digital technology: Digital platforms and AI tools are emerging as valuable assets for agriculture, offering innovative ways to enhance knowledge dissemination, improve efficiency, and build climate-resilient systems.

If you attended the forum too, we’d love to hear your key takeaways in the comments.

#AfricaFoodSystems #Sustainability #Innovation #IKEAFoundation #agriculturetransformation 

@afsforum @agra_africa
There’s been great progress in accelerating electric transport in recent years. However, much of it has been enjoyed by wealthier countries. It’s time for a truly global electric vehicle transition.🌍

Our CEO Jessica Anderen spoke at the #ClimateWeekNYC opening ceremony about the Drive Electric campaign’s ‘Leapfrogging Partnership’, supported by the IKEA Foundation 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🚗

This initiative is helping emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia to quickly develop new EV markets and industries 💡 If it succeeds, we can avoid the release of billions of tons of greenhouse gases and improve the lives of millions of people. 

Read more about the partnership via the link in our bio 🔗

#ClimateWeekIKF2024 #ClimateSolutions #DriveElectric
There’s been great progress in accelerating electric transport in recent years. However, much of it has been enjoyed by wealthier countries. It’s time for a truly global electric vehicle transition.🌍

Our CEO Jessica Anderen spoke at the #ClimateWeekNYC opening ceremony about the Drive Electric campaign’s ‘Leapfrogging Partnership’, supported by the IKEA Foundation 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🚗

This initiative is helping emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia to quickly develop new EV markets and industries 💡 If it succeeds, we can avoid the release of billions of tons of greenhouse gases and improve the lives of millions of people. 

Read more about the partnership via the link in our bio 🔗

#ClimateWeekIKF2024 #ClimateSolutions #DriveElectric
There’s been great progress in accelerating electric transport in recent years. However, much of it has been enjoyed by wealthier countries. It’s time for a truly global electric vehicle transition.🌍 Our CEO Jessica Anderen spoke at the #ClimateWeekNYC opening ceremony about the Drive Electric campaign’s ‘Leapfrogging Partnership’, supported by the IKEA Foundation 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🚗 This initiative is helping emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia to quickly develop new EV markets and industries 💡 If it succeeds, we can avoid the release of billions of tons of greenhouse gases and improve the lives of millions of people. Read more about the partnership via the link in our bio 🔗 #ClimateWeekIKF2024 #ClimateSolutions #DriveElectric
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/3
The theme for #ClimateWeekNYC 2024 is “It’s Time” ⏰ 

This resonates with our mission to tackle two of the world's greatest humanitarian challenges: poverty and #ClimateChange. 

The transition to a low-carbon future must be fair and inclusive, leaving no one behind. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 A #JustTransition is not only essential for achieving environmental sustainability, but also for building a fairer society. 

📢📢 Follow our socials during Climate Week for insights and stories from our co-workers. 

#ClimateWeekIKF2024 #ClimateSolutions #ClimateConversationTransformation
The theme for #ClimateWeekNYC 2024 is “It’s Time” ⏰ This resonates with our mission to tackle two of the world's greatest humanitarian challenges: poverty and #ClimateChange. The transition to a low-carbon future must be fair and inclusive, leaving no one behind. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 A #JustTransition is not only essential for achieving environmental sustainability, but also for building a fairer society. 📢📢 Follow our socials during Climate Week for insights and stories from our co-workers. #ClimateWeekIKF2024 #ClimateSolutions #ClimateConversationTransformation
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/3
🌍 ✨ Key Takeaways from the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali

Our Agricultural Livelihoods team participated in the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum.

Here are five takeaways from our team:

1. Empowering local champions: We were inspired by the remarkable work of local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs who are driving climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. Their experience and leadership are driving real change in shaping Africa’s food future.

2. Inclusion of small-holder farmers: There was much discussion about small-holder farmers, but their presence on panels and in discussions was limited despite they being the backbone of Africa’s agricultural sector. It's crucial to include their voices directly to ensure their needs and insights shape future policies and initiatives for sustainable food systems on the continent.

3. Embracing the circular economy and regenerative practices: The forum stressed the rising interest in the circular economy and regenerative agriculture. A strong emphasis was placed on improving soil health, reducing waste, and fostering practices that restore ecosystems.

4. Finance for food system transformation: Finance for food system transformation remains insufficient. There is a critical need for increased investment if we are to shift the focus toward regenerative and sustainable agricultural models.

5. Leveraging digital technology: Digital platforms and AI tools are emerging as valuable assets for agriculture, offering innovative ways to enhance knowledge dissemination, improve efficiency, and build climate-resilient systems.

If you attended the forum too, we’d love to hear your key takeaways in the comments.

#AfricaFoodSystems #Sustainability #Innovation #IKEAFoundation #agriculturetransformation 

@afsforum @agra_africa
🌍 ✨ Key Takeaways from the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali Our Agricultural Livelihoods team participated in the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum. Here are five takeaways from our team: 1. Empowering local champions: We were inspired by the remarkable work of local farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs who are driving climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. Their experience and leadership are driving real change in shaping Africa’s food future. 2. Inclusion of small-holder farmers: There was much discussion about small-holder farmers, but their presence on panels and in discussions was limited despite they being the backbone of Africa’s agricultural sector. It's crucial to include their voices directly to ensure their needs and insights shape future policies and initiatives for sustainable food systems on the continent. 3. Embracing the circular economy and regenerative practices: The forum stressed the rising interest in the circular economy and regenerative agriculture. A strong emphasis was placed on improving soil health, reducing waste, and fostering practices that restore ecosystems. 4. Finance for food system transformation: Finance for food system transformation remains insufficient. There is a critical need for increased investment if we are to shift the focus toward regenerative and sustainable agricultural models. 5. Leveraging digital technology: Digital platforms and AI tools are emerging as valuable assets for agriculture, offering innovative ways to enhance knowledge dissemination, improve efficiency, and build climate-resilient systems. If you attended the forum too, we’d love to hear your key takeaways in the comments. #AfricaFoodSystems #Sustainability #Innovation #IKEAFoundation #agriculturetransformation @afsforum @agra_africa
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/3