World Vision calls for new UK leadership to prioritise children 

“The world’s children, our future generations, are watching.” 

As the United Kingdom enters a period of political transition, World Vision UK – the world’s largest Christian children’s charity - urges the Government to keep the world’s most vulnerable children at the heart of its international agenda. 

“With over 412 million children* in need of humanitarian assistance in 2026 - many facing the daily realities of climate crises, conflict, hunger, displacement and the impacts of cuts to international aid - this is a moment for continued focus and compassion and to prioritise children at the heart of UK policy”, says World Vision UK CEO, Fola Komolafe MBE DL.

“Children living in extreme poverty are suffering from malnourishment, missed education, at risk without vaccinations, and vulnerable to abuse such as child labour and child marriage. The UK’s forthcoming G20 Presidency in 2027 is an important opportunity for the new UK leadership to champion a hopeful, practical and ambitious vision for children - wherever they are born, and helps build a safer, fairer future for all. The world’s children, our future generations, are watching.”

World Vision UK calls on all candidates in the leadership contest to set out clearly, and early, how they will: 

  • Prioritise children at the heart of UK policy - by tackling child poverty at home and supporting the most vulnerable children globally, recognising that a safer, fairer world for children everywhere benefits us all. 

  • Adopt a joined-up approach to development - aligning diplomacy, development and climate action to deliver lasting change for children and communities, rather than short-term or fragmented responses.

  • Sustain UK leadership on global child-focused development and humanitarian action - including protecting life-saving aid, investing in long-term resilience, and addressing the root causes of poverty, conflict and displacement.

  • Protect children in crisis and conflict - by strengthening the UK’s leadership on child protection, education in emergencies, and safeguarding in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. 

  • Champion the voices and agency of children and young people - ensuring their perspectives shape the decisions that affect their futures, both in the UK and globally.  

* World Vision International Annual Report shows 43.9 million children reached in 2025 amid deepening global crises

ENDS