Pakistan and UNICEF Join Forces to Strengthen Child Online Protection
In a major step towards building a safer digital environment for children, Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNICEF Pakistan to enhance Child Online Protection (COP) nationwide.
A Strategic Partnership for Safer Cyberspace
The MoU outlines a strategic collaboration focused on:
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Joint action for cyber safety
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Policy development for child protection
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Capacity-building across institutions
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Public awareness on online risks for children
This partnership will play a crucial role in integrating online safety and cyber resilience into Pakistan’s national cybersecurity strategies.
MoU Signing Ceremony
The signing ceremony was held under the leadership of Dr. Haider Abbas (TI), Director General of National CERT. Also present were:
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Syed Imran Haider, Assistant Director (Training)
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Zaheema Iqbal, Assistant Director (Advisory & Communications)
UNICEF Pakistan was represented by:
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Jennifer Melton, Chief of Child Protection
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Farrah Ilyas, Child Protection Specialist
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Mahwish Saeed Syed, Social and Behavior Change Officer
Focus Areas of the Collaboration
The partnership aims to:
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Develop evidence-based interventions to protect children online
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Establish response protocols for cyber threats affecting minors
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Promote digital literacy and cyber awareness in schools and communities
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Strengthen the national child safety policy in cyberspace
By focusing on these areas, the initiative seeks to create a secure, inclusive, and child-friendly digital ecosystem in Pakistan.
A Unified Vision for Cyber Safety
The partnership between National CERT and UNICEF represents a shared vision to tackle modern cyber challenges through cross-sector collaboration. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children’s digital rights while ensuring safe online experiences for all age groups.
Final Thoughts
With increasing internet access among youth, cybersecurity and digital protection have become national priorities. This MoU signals a powerful commitment to protecting Pakistan’s children from online risks—paving the way for a safer digital future.
