Ahlström Collective Impact pledges EUR 750,000 to UNICEF's global education efforts in 2025; initiative addresses learning crisis where 70% of children in low-income countries cannot read simple text

June 16, 2025 (press release) –

Glaston as part of Ahlström Collective Impact will continue supporting UNICEF’s global education efforts in 2025 and remains committed to advancing children’s rights in business. This year, Ahlström Collective Impact’s contribution to UNICEF’s education work amounts to over EUR 750,000.

As an area of corporate social responsibility, human rights and children’s rights are tightly connected to companies’ business activities.  Within the context of Glaston’s commitment to children’s rights, the company continues to deepen its understanding through dedicated training sessions organized by UNICEF Finland, which focus on the intersection of children’s rights, business practices, and corporate responsibility. Further, the company amplifies its engagement through initiatives like the World Children’s Day campaign, where staff across the network come together to champion children’s rights in meaningful and visible ways.

“Education is a basic human right and is key in reducing inequality, cutting poverty rates and strengthening societal stability.  This investment is strongly reflected in Glaston’s value ‘Together we build the future’.  In order to safeguard children’s future, we must safeguard their education”, says Marko Mökkönen, Director, Sustainability at Glaston.

Addressing the global learning crisis  

Children’s learning is a global crisis, where up to 70% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries cannot understand a simple written text. The situation is especially dire in sub-Saharan Africa. The digital divide is also widening, with the majority of school-aged children living in households without internet access. Member organizations of Ahlström Collective Impact support UNICEF’s education efforts to address these challenges.

UNICEF, the world’s largest advocate for children’s rights, promotes education in 150 countries. Its efforts include providing education in crisis situations, changing attitudes that hinder schooling, promoting quality teaching, and defending the right to education for children with disabilities and minorities. The organization works on both grassroots efforts and the development of entire education systems in collaboration with government authorities. 

About Ahlström Collective Impact 

The Ahlström Collective Impact collaboration model was launched in 2020. It brings together companies and foundations from the Ahlström network to invest in children’s well-being through selected UNICEF projects aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The initiative is proud to welcome a new member to the network: Metsäkonepalvelu. Members include: Ahlstrom, A. Ahlström, Ahlström Invest, Avain Yhtiöt, Destia, Detection Technology, Eva Ahlström Foundation, Glaston, Metsäkonepalvelu, M&J Recycling, Suominen, and the Walter Ahlström Foundation.