The original UNICEF logo signifies the organization's initial mission of providing milk to children, reflecting its primary activity at its inception.
UNICEF Logo: A Symbol of Early Aid
UNICEF's first logo was created to visually represent the organization's core mission during its early years.
Components of the First Logo
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Child with Milk Cup | Represents UNICEF's main activity: delivering milk to children in need. |
| Olive Branches | Taken from the UN logo, symbolizing peace. |
| Globe | Also derived from the UN logo, indicating the worldwide scope of UNICEF’s work. |
Evolution of the Logo
- While the core concept of child welfare remains, the logo has been updated over the years to reflect UNICEF's evolving mandate, which now includes a broad range of activities beyond just milk distribution, such as education, healthcare and child protection.
- The current logo is a wordmark featuring “unicef” and the United Nations emblem.
- The visual elements from the original logo, like the child and cup, are no longer in use, however the spirit of support to children remains central.
Practical Insight
- The original logo was very practical in communicating the main support UNICEF was providing at that time.
- The shift to a wordmark logo allows the organization to present itself as an authority in its field of work and allows more flexibility in the branding.
