ABBA’s Chiquitita raised over $5 million for UNICEF in 45 years; how the 1979 hit continues to protect children

A song that became a global pop hit in 1979 has continued to fund child-protection work decades after its release. Swedish pop group ABBA's Chiquitita had generated more than US$5 million for UNICEF by April 2024, helping support programmes that protect vulnerable children from violence, abuse and exploitation, according to the United Nations children's agency. The milestone marked 45 years since the band pledged the song's royalties to UNICEF.The song's enduring contribution comes from royalties generated whenever listeners purchase or stream it on platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Rather than being a one-time charitable donation, the arrangement has allowed the track to generate funding over several decades, supporting UNICEF's work to protect and rehabilitate children affected by violence.How ABBA's 1979 pledge beganThe story began on January 9, 1979, when ABBA performed at The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song, held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The event brought together prominent musicians, including the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Rod Stewart, John Denver and Earth, Wind & Fire, to raise awareness and funds for children's righ...