Since its establishment in 1988 the UNICEF innocenti research centre has been a catalyst for the development of UNICEF 's leadership role for children in many key areas. Work carried out at the centre in Florence drawing on the resource and experience of a large network of fices has helped to shape the human rights agenda for children, It has also contributed to the intellectual foundation of UNICEF's advocacy for shifts in economic and social policies in favour of the poorest children and families worldwide