jordan pulse -

Zain Group has been promoted in the latest global ranking by the Global Child Forum, earning the title of “Regional Leader” for the third consecutive year. The recognition comes under the 2025 “Child Rights & Business” index, where Zain scored 8.5 points, highlighting its pioneering contributions to child protection across its markets and integration of child safety in all operations.

Zain emphasized online child safety as a top priority, noting that over 30% of internet users are children, a proportion expected to rise with broader broadband access. The group aligns its initiatives with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.2, aiming to end all forms of violence against children.

The promotion coincides with World Children’s Day on November 20, celebrated globally to raise awareness on child welfare. The Global Child Forum supports international collaboration, innovative thinking, and partnerships across sectors to ensure safe environments for children, while encouraging companies to adopt policies and initiatives protecting child rights throughout their operations and supply chains.

Zain outperformed the regional and global telecom averages, achieving full marks (10/10) in “Governance & Collaboration” and earning top scores across institutional frameworks, board accountability, grievance mechanisms, NGO partnerships, labor standards, supply chain evaluation, responsible advertising, and environmental and community protection.

Jennifer Suleiman, Zain’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said: “Our promotion in the global index aligns with World Children’s Day, reinforcing our commitment to online child safety and embedding child rights at the core of our sustainability strategy.”

Global Child Forum Secretary-General Ekin Björstedt added: “Zain sets an example that leadership in child rights is achievable across the value chain. Leadership requires implementation, monitoring, and transparent disclosure. We congratulate Zain on retaining first place for three years.”

Zain collaborates with local and international NGOs, including a three-year MoU with Child Helpline International, to enhance child support services. The group strictly prohibits child labor across its operations and supply chain, mandates compliance with ILO minimum age standards, and conducts regular audits to ensure ethical labor practices.

Employee safeguards include secure channels for raising concerns and a transparent reporting policy. Zain also implements progressive family-friendly policies, including four-month maternity leave, flexible work arrangements until a child’s fourth year, two-month extended parental care, and five days paid paternity leave.

The group enforces strict data protection for minors, responsible marketing standards, and ethical digital content practices aligned with UNICEF’s MO-CRIA framework. Awareness campaigns such as #EveryChildHasRights and “Internet Monsters” educate parents on online safety risks for children, reinforcing vigilance and protection.

Zain continues to lead regional efforts in promoting child rights in business, fostering a safe and sustainable future for children.