Claim: Audrey Hepburn devoted much of her later life to charity.

The United Nations Children 's Fund -LRB- UNICEF ; -LSB- ˈjuːnᵻsɛf -RSB- -RRB- is a United Nations -LRB- UN -RRB- programme headquartered in New York City that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries . It is a member of the United Nations Development Group .   The United Nations International Children 's Emergency Fund was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 1946 , to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II . The Polish physician Ludwik Rajchman is widely regarded as the founder of UNICEF and served as its first chairman from 1946 . On Rajchman 's suggestion , the American Maurice Pate was appointed its first executive director , serving from 1947 until his death in 1965 . In 1950 , UNICEF 's mandate was extended to address the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere . In 1953 it became a permanent part of the United Nations System , and the words `` international '' and `` emergency '' were dropped from the organization 's name , making it simply the United Nations Children 's Fund , retaining the original acronym , `` UNICEF '' .   UNICEF relies on contributions from governments and private donors , UNICEF 's total income for 2008 was US$ 3,372,540,239 . Governments contribute two-thirds of the organization 's resources . Private groups and some six million individuals contribute the rest through national committees . It is estimated that 92 per cent of UNICEF revenue is distributed to programme services . UNICEF 's programmes emphasize developing community-level services to promote the health and well-being of children . UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 and the Prince of Asturias Award of Concord in 2006 .   Most of UNICEF 's work is in the field , with staff in over 190 countries and territories . More than 200 country offices carry out UNICEF 's mission through programmes developed with host governments . Seven regional offices provide technical assistance to country offices as needed .   UNICEF 's Supply Division is based in Copenhagen and serves as the primary point of distribution for such essential items as vaccines , antiretroviral medicines for children and mothers with HIV , nutritional supplements , emergency shelters , family reunification , and educational supplies . A 36-member executive board establishes policies , approves programmes and oversees administrative and financial plans . The executive board is made up of government representatives who are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council , usually for three-year terms .