Ahlstrom Boosts Support for UNICEF’s Global Education Program with Major Investment

Ahlstrom Boosts Support for UNICEF’s Global Education Program with Major Investment

(IN BRIEF) Ahlstrom, as part of the Ahlström Collective Impact initiative, will invest nearly EUR 800,000 in UNICEF’s global educational program in 2024. This collaboration aims to address the digital divide by bringing digital learning to millions of children, training teachers in digital pedagogy, and supporting educational efforts in refugee centers, homes, and schools. The initiative underscores Ahlstrom’s commitment to children’s rights and sustainable development, with a focus on enhancing education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 19-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Ahlstrom, as part of the Ahlström Collective Impact initiative, is reinforcing its commitment to UNICEF’s global educational program with a substantial investment close to EUR 800,000 in 2024. The Ahlström Collective Impact is a collaborative effort involving multiple companies and foundations, with Ahlstrom being a founding partner and one of the largest contributors.

The initiative highlights the intersection of business activities with human and children’s rights, particularly the right to education. Addressing the digital divide remains a critical challenge, as nearly 75% of young people in low-income countries lack essential workforce skills, and about two-thirds of school-aged children globally do not have home internet access.

In 2024, UNICEF aims to mitigate this digital gap by introducing digital learning to millions of children and young people. This includes training teachers in digital pedagogy and extending digital solutions to refugee centers, homes, and schools, even in emergency contexts.

Ahlström Collective Impact amplifies the impact of individual organizations by uniting different companies and foundations. Ahlstrom has played a pivotal role since the initiative’s inception in enhancing its collective influence.

“Ahlström Collective Impact is a cherished collaboration for us. Our company’s purpose and values focus on caring for our colleagues, communities, and the world. Through this partnership, we can significantly amplify our impact. We aim to build a better future for the next generations, and investing in children’s education is crucial for tomorrow,” said Mary Puddepha, Chief People Officer of Ahlstrom.

Beyond financial support, the collaboration includes training provided by UNICEF Finland for Ahlström Collective Impact network members, stressing the importance of children’s rights in business and corporate responsibility. Earlier this year, network members participated in a UNICEF Finland study on children’s rights implementation in Finnish listed companies. The study’s findings are now guiding companies to enhance their responsibility initiatives.

Johanna Talvela, Director of Corporate Collaboration at UNICEF Finland, expressed gratitude for the sustained partnership, stating, “Education is every child’s right and essential for a sustainable, stable future and resilient societies. We appreciate Ahlström Collective Impact’s long-term support for our educational initiatives.”

Founded in 2020, Ahlström Collective Impact includes companies such as Ahlstrom, A. Ahlström, Ahlström Invest, Avain Yhtiöt, Destia, Detection Technology, Eva Ahlström Foundation, Glaston, M&J Recycling, Suominen, and Walter Ahlström Foundation. The initiative supports UNICEF projects aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on quality education (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Ahlstrom in brief

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2023 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more www.ahlstrom.com

Ahlström Collective Impact in brief

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.

Media Contact:

Katja Ollila
Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications
+358 44 517 0891
katja.ollila@ahlstrom.com

SOURCE: AHLSTROM