Our Purpose, Our Promise, Our Progress

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Sylvamo, the world’s paper company, is making a $500,000 donation to UNICEF to support its Skills4Girls initiative. The partnership will increase girls’ skills to compete in a 21st century workforce.

Skills4Girls works with and for girls in 19 countries by equipping them with foundational, STEM, digital and life skills, such as self-confidence, problem-solving and decision-making.

“We’re proud to partner with UNICEF to address this critical need,” said James McDonald, chief sustainability officer. “The portfolio of projects will enable the girls to develop the necessary job-specific skills needed to support lifelong learning and employment.”

In Latin America, where Sylvamo operates, the initiative promotes girls’ leadership and advocacy skills through mentoring, training and workshops.

“With 620 million adolescent girls in the world today, we have the opportunity to shape the future for gender equality by ensuring they have the skills to succeed in a 21st century workforce,” said Michele Walsh, executive vice president and chief philanthropy officer, UNICEF USA. “UNICEF cannot do this work alone and we greatly appreciate Sylvamo’s partnership to support adolescent girls’ skills, helping to create transformative change for girls and their communities.”

Skills4Girls aligns with Sylvamo’s 2030 goals to improve the communities where employees live and work and accelerates progress towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, guaranteeing gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

Image courtesy of ©UNICEF/UN0398127