"Building young futures is designed so that we can measure the results of our efforts, and ensure the benefits are maintained long after the partnership has ended"

Barclays today launched a £5m, three-year global community investment partnership with UNICEF, the leading children’s organisation.

The Building young futures programme will empower thousands of young people worldwide by improving access to education, employment and opportunities for entrepreneurship.

The funding is UNICEF’s largest single donation from a corporate partner in the UK and an unprecedented degree of collaboration has gone into the design and delivery of the initiative.

Barclays will also provide business and financial expertise and up to 150,000 hours of colleagues’ time.

Building young futures will be implemented globally over three years, with projects in Egypt, India, Botswana, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia and Zambia.

Barclays Chairman Marcus Agius said: “Despite the difficult current economic conditions, it is vital that business continues to invest in sustainability. Helping to develop and empower individuals and communities is vitally important, and it is fundamental to stimulating global economic growth at the same time.”

He added: “Crucially, Building young futures is designed so that we can measure the results of our efforts, and ensure the benefits are maintained long after the partnership has ended.”