H.E. Marie Chatardová, opened the exhibition by recalling that every 20 seconds one child dies from a disease preventable by an immunization. She also pointed out that the protection and support to children and youth are among the top long-term priorities of the Czech Republic and Czech Presidency of the Economic and Social Council. Present were also Ms. Pavla Gomba, Director of the Czech National Committee for UNICEF, who briefed the public on the history of this fundraising project in which famous Czech artists and personalities design a doll to support UNICEF activities.

The opening was also attended by an important number of the representatives from UNICEF. Present were Mr. Justin Forsyth, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF; Mr. Garry Stahl, Director of Private Fundraising and Partnership in Geneva; Mrs. Nune Mangasaryan, Partnership Manager and Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Division.

A fundraising silent auction was part of the opening and invited guests, among whom were Ambassadors, philanthropists as well as other guests, had the opportunity to participate in the auction. The auction was an overall success, raising nearly 3 000 dollars in only one hour in support immunization programs. The special doll ‘ECOSOC Baby’ made by H.E. Marie Chatardová and her husband was equally auctioned.

We thank all the donors, as well as Ms. Lucie Kotalová and the Central Bohemian Region for their generous support.