On December 11, 1946, the United Nations established UNICEF, to meet the urgent needs of children in post-war Europe and China. Their full name was United Nations International Children's, Emergency Fund.

In 1950, the mandate of UNICEF was expanded to include the long-term needs of children and women in all developing countries. In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations system, and its name was shortened to United Nations Children's Fund. UNICEF, however, retained its original acronym.