The newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals will require co-operation between all stakeholders in society and the private sector plays an important role in the fulfilment of the goals by 2030. Inspired by this, the partnership between UNICEF and NCC aims at contributing to the goals around water which is an important prerequisite for sustainable cities.

Reduced access to safe water leads to water-borne diseases that can be fatal to children. Providing clean water and adequate sanitation is a priority for UNICEF. In 2015, thanks to UNICEF’s efforts, nearly 14 million children and their families were provided with clean water and 11 million with basic toilets.

“NCC wants to have an impact on child survival and child health by supporting UNICEF’s efforts to improve water and sanitation services. NCC is largely dependent on water both in the Nordic countries and indirectly through sourcing of products in other parts of the world, especially in Southeast Asia and we want to increase our focus on water connected to our own business”, says Christina Lindbäck, Senior vice President of sustainability at NCC.

The funds provided by NCC will help provide children in China and Timor-Leste with safe water, access to sanitation and knowledge in hygiene.

Moreover, in the planning and development of sustainable cities, there is a need to consider the rights of children. NCC and UNICEF will therefore also explore innovative ways of developing inclusive and sustainable cities. Many of the projects undertaken by NCC, including the construction of schools, pre-schools and sport halls, have a direct impact on the lives of children.

“As a key stakeholder in urban development, NCC has a larger impact on children than you might expect. Much can be achieved to promote children's rights when we join forces, says Véronique Lönnerblad”, Executive Director at UNICEF Sweden.

For further information, please contact:

Christina Lindbäck, Senior Vice President Corporate Sustainability, NCC, +46 8585 519 07

Anna Trane, Head of Corporate Media Relations NCC, +46 708 84 74 69

NCC’s media line +46 (0)8 585 519 00, E-mail: press@ncc.se, NCC’s Image bank

About NCC. Our vision is to renew our industry and provide superior sustainable solutions. NCC is one of the leading construction, property development and infrastructure companies in Northern Europe, with sales of SEK 53 billion and 16,000 employees in 2015, excluding Bonava. The NCC share is listed on NASDAQ Stockholm.

About UNICEF. UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do.  Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.