(3rd meeting) UNICEF Executive Board, Second regular session 2026

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. We will begin this morning with the consideration of item four on the agenda, UNICEF programme cooperation, which has three sub-agenda items, 4a, consideration of the new country programme documents, 4b, the extensions of ongoing country programmes and foresee the global and regional programme document 2026 to 2029. I will first share a procedural note. Delegations are kindly reminded that their statements should remain within the agreed time limits three minutes for individual delegations speaking in the national capacity and five minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of United Nations regional groups or for joint statements of two or more Member States. Microphones will start blinking to alert speakers one minute before the end of their allotted time and speakers will be muted after their time has ended at either the end of three or five minutes. Let us now begin with sub-item 4a of the agenda on country programme documents. Distinguished delegates, for the current session, the Board will consider 17 new programme documents, 16 country programme documents and one multi-country programme document for the following countries: Albania, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guatemala, the Laos People's Democratic Republic, Mali, Mozambique, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uruguay, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and the multi-country program for the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean countries. The theme of this morning's presentations and discussions in the context of the program documents will be country programs driving nutrition progress. I'm pleased to let you know that in addition to the UNICEF senior management and experts, we will also be joined by an interesting group of panelists. Before I hand over to Mr. George Larrea-Arce, director of the UNICEF Global Program Division, who will provide a brief introduction to the run of show and moderate the discussions, allow me to share with you the names of our panelists. all of whom will be joining us virtually. Dr. Abdul Kholik Ahmed Sodal, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population, Tajikistan. Ms. Karina Hassane S. Ismail, National Coordinator, Civil Society Platform for the Scaling of Nutrition, Sun Movement, Mozambique. Tapane Teja Juran Viku, Vice President, Committee Secretary and Treasurer of the BJC Big C Foundation and Chief Executive Officer and President of Berly Juker Public Company Limited, Thailand. Belinda, a youth advocate and member of You Report Guatemala and Fix My Food Guatemala. And Miss Nadine Perot, UNICEF Representative, Cameroon. Please allow me also to introduce the UNICEF regional directors from the five regions with programme documents that are being considered today. Ms. Sanjay Wijesekera, Asia Pacific Region; Ms. Atlewa Kadili, Eastern and Southern Africa Region; Mr. Eduard Begbeder, Regional Director ad interim, Europe and Central Asia Region; Mr. Roberto Benes, Latin America and Caribbean region, and Mr. Gilles Fangny-Nyoh, West and Central Africa region. I now invite Mr. Lariya Adjei, Director, Global Program Division, to introduce and moderate the next portion of this agenda item. Mr. Lariya Adjei, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. We are always happy to have program discussions at the Board, for we all know that program results are the reason why UNICEF exists. Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to discuss with you our programs and our results linked to the first impact area of the strategic plan. We committed to working with governments and partners to save 10 million lives in the course of the strategic plan. We are here today to focus on another important agenda in the strategic plan, the fight against malnutrition, all forms of malnutrition, wasting, stunting, and obesity. in the strategic plan, we have a commitment to help 500 million children across the world to be well nourished. It's a core part of our mandate, and we are pleased to share ideas from all the countries presenting their CPDs before you today. We know there's been progress in the past 30 years. There are some 57 million cases of stunted which have been averted. And we know there have been some 12 million cases of wasting which have also been handled, managed well. But the task before us is huge. We see these on the screens every day, images, horrific images of children who are suffering from malnutrition. We know that most of these can be prevented. Most of what we see on the screens can be prevented. And where prevention is difficult, There are solutions to treat and to help these children recover. We know that where they cannot be prevented, there's a signal that the systems around them are failing. When a child is nourished, the child can grow, the child can learn, the child can dream and reach their fullest potential. When millions of children can do that, families are stronger, communities are stronger, and nations are stronger. There is evidence that the economy even grows faster. That is the ambition behind our strategic plan, 500 million children well nourished by the year 2030. The numbers look big, yes they are big, ambition high, but behind every number is a child. And that is where our work begins. We have a panelist, a strong group of people today to share their thoughts. I will hand over to my colleague, Dr. John Magdi, the UNICEF director for child nutrition, who will walk us through a few slides. After that, we will go through a photo loop of the issue that we are addressing, and then the panelists will come in. But before I hand over to John, I just want to share a story with you. I had the privilege to accompany a senior official to a treatment site. for malnutrition. And when we were there, there was a mother who was looking longingly at the senior official. She handed a baby to the official. The baby clung to the official I was traveling with. It was time to go. I gave the official a signal. Mom, it's time to go. I could see that she could not let the baby go. The baby, as we know, malnourished, bulging eyes, parched skin, the bones showing. The baby was holding onto the jacket with all her strength, and the official could not let the child go. It was a difficult moment. Eventually, we got to the car, and the official turns to me and says, "George, this child must live. This child must not die." And then there's a bigger question. We must do all we can to prevent it. I'll be happy to share the name of the official. I'm sure you can all guess who she is. But before that, I'd like to hand over to Joan Magie to tell us the stark reality that the world is confronting. Millions of children deprived of basic nutrition. And Joan is speaking from Pretoria. She's based in Nairobi, but she's in Pretoria. today. Joan, over to you please.

Million fewer children with stunting and 12 million fewer affected by wasting. Yet 150 million children still live with stunting and 43 million suffer from wasting. Emerging evidence is showing that for the first time, childhood obesity has surpassed undernutrition among school-aged children and adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years. Countries, some of whom are presenting today, face a double burden, the unfinished business of undernutrition alongside the rapid rise of overweight and obesity. 22 countries are experiencing active nutrition crises, and famine has been declared in parts of Gaza and Sudan. Slide two, please. But we know that scaling up nutrition matters and its impacts on survival, growth, education, and economic well-being are well-known and documented, and all of these are critical to human capital. development, which is a big objective for many of the countries that are presenting today. Slide. And so on this slide, you can see that scaling up nutrition matters for survival of children. We have evidence to show that we can avert up to 6.2 million deaths. We also know that in terms of the impact of reversing child stunting, it can have a positive impact leading to the growth and development of 27 million children. And we know that with proper nutrition, education can be increased by one year for children. Overall, in terms of economic impacts of good nutrition, we know that this can result in four to 11% GDP growth in both Asia and Africa. Next slide, please. We also know what actions are needed to end child malnutrition. And these are interventions across the life course, starting with maternal nutrition, where we know antenatal counseling and micronutrient supplement make a lasting difference, not only for the mom herself, but on birth outcomes. And we also know that large-scale food fortification has a positive impact in reversing neural tube defects, which is very positive for the unborn child. We know that breastfeeding promotion is also critical and remains critical. We often refer to it as the first immunization that a child will get is exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Then there's also complementary feeding, which is the introduction of foods from six months of age that must be nutritionally balanced and augmented with small quantity lipid-based supplements. Micronutrient supplementation is very important, especially for the school-age child, and this is usually accompanied by deworming. Overall, our work also focuses on treatment of child wasting. With the growth in humanitarian crises across the world, this is a key area of our interventions. And we know that children can be treated with ready-to-use therapeutic foods in those circumstances, as well as being provided with other medical interventions and care. Nutrition of the school-age child remains very important as well. And part of that is related to ensuring that we have healthy food environments around places where children congregate, such as the school level. We'll be hearing more about this from our Fix My Food advocates. And we know that these interventions that I've just highlighted, ladies and gentlemen, when they are supported by political commitment, financing, and multi-sectoral action, they translate into large-scale improvements in malnutrition. It is important for UNICEF to note that driving a systems approach is critical to addressing malnutrition. And in that way, we are working to strengthen food, health, water and sanitation social protection systems so that children can access nutritious services, diets, and essential practices. Working with governments and partners, we align policy, financing, and delivery at scale to address malnutrition. Next slide, please. However, ladies and gentlemen, we know that this remarkable progress and the information we have on what is needed to scale, we know it is all under threat. The world in which children are growing in today is one where there are complex forces that are driving the nutrition crisis and threatening the gains that we've made today. Poor food environments, poor feeding practices, and poverty are making it harder for families to feed their children. And all of this is compounded by conflict, climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and a global debt crisis, as well as shrinking overseas development assistance. Next slide, please. However, despite these forces, no, that's not the next slide. The next slide, please. Despite these forces, UNICEF is making strategic shifts. George has highlighted key elements of the UNICEF strategic plan till 2029. The UNICEF strategic plan calls for programming that is more efficient, and equitable. We stand ready to support governments to advance double duty actions that tackle both undernutrition and obesity whilst ensuring that children are screened and tested for malnutrition and treated for malnutrition in a timely manner. More than ever within UNICEF, we are tailoring our technical assistance to countries realities. In lower income countries with high malnutrition, UNICEF combines direct service delivery with system strengthening. In upper middle income countries, some of which we'll be presenting today, where childhood obesity is rising, we focus our technical support and catalytic funding to strengthen policies, financing, and equitable access to optimal nutrition. Ladies and gentlemen, we have evidence on what is needed to scale nutrition programs across different country program contexts. What is needed now is to continue to support governments and stakeholders through policy reform, through domestic resource mobilization. And here I would just like to highlight that the Child Nutrition Fund has managed to date to secure $437 million since 2020. And through this mechanism, governments also mobilize their resources to match the funding through the Child Nutrition Fund. We have examples from Cameroon, which has accessed this modality of funding. Localization remains important to ensure that we support local enterprises to produce nutritious foods and therapeutic foods, an example being Burkina Faso that has done so very well. Youth engagement is critical to sustain the recommendations and the policy dimensions of our work. It is important that youth be seen as change agents through initiatives such as Fix My Food, which I've had the privilege of observing on a recent visit to Guatemala. Partnerships. As the UN agency that is the cluster lead on nutrition, we also work with other UN agencies such as WFP, FAO, UNHCR and others. We also engage with civil society and importantly, the private sector to make sure that they're providing quality food for all children across the malnutrition spectrum. Humanitarian leadership remains a core element of our work, and we will continue working as the cluster lead agency in response to the UNAT reform and the humanitarian reset. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure now to pass on to the countries to hear on how they are responding to this immense agenda on nutrition through the voices of stakeholders from Cameroon, Guatemala, Mozambique, Tajikistan, and Thailand. Thank you. Back to you, George.

Thank you so much, Joan. And We are dealing with a triple burden of wasting, what you see mostly on TV, of stunting, which is more long-term, affects the brain, and of obesity. And we know what works. Maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, especially for the severely minority kids, and we know what to do also for the school-age children. The strategic plan rises to that ambition. We'd like to share a few stories through a photo loop. So please share on the screen the video.

For more than three decades, investments in nutrition have helped transform the lives of millions of children around the world. Behind every statistic is a child with a better chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Since 1990, nutrition programs have contributed to remarkable progress, reducing stunting and wasting and improving the lives of millions. Yet the challenge remains significant. Today, 150 million children still live with stunting and 43 million continue to suffer from wasting. At the same time, the nutrition landscape is changing. Childhood obesity is rising and has become a growing concern among school-age children and adolescents. But we know what works. Around the world, strong political leadership and coordinated action have shown that child malnutrition can be reduced within a generation. Together with governments and partners, UNICEF helps align policies, financing, and services to address the root causes of malnutrition and sustain results. By strengthening food, health, water and sanitation, and social protection systems, UNICEF is helping build a future where every child can access nutritious diets, essential services, and quality care. Together, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity not only to survive, but to thrive.

Thank you very much. So again, we are dealing with the triple burden of wasting, of stunting, and of obesity in large numbers across the world. It's my pleasure to bring in the panel at this stage, and we'd like to introduce and perhaps we start with His Excellency Dr. Amizoda is the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection of the population in Tajikistan. Dr. Amizoda, leads the public health agenda of his country, including nutrition. He's a key partner for UNICEF as we look at various issues, including at scale programming and financing in the country. He's a public health specialist by training. and I specialize in the area of medicine and epidemiology. Your Excellency, you have the floor now, please.

Chair, distinguished members of the executive boards, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, On behalf of the Ministry for the Social Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan, I would like to express my profound gratitude for the unfailing support in the areas of health, nutrition, and well-being of children in our country. The proposed country program for the upcoming period is fully in line with national priorities for the republic's development and our obligations related to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome UNICEF's support for institutional capacity building and the achievement of long-term results. in the interests of children. Nutrition plays an important role for Tajikistan. UNICEF remains a reliable partner for our ministry when it comes to strengthening policies and financing mechanisms for nutrition, these efforts already yielding results. We have seen a decrease in stunting for children under five reaching 14 percent recently, which testifies to progress in this area. We continue to promote a comprehensive and sustainable approach to improving related areas. We are making efforts in transforming our food systems. in Tajikistan in cooperation with UN institutions and other international partners, and have made significant progress in strengthening partnerships and developing long-term nutrition programs. We are reducing sugar content in drinks, for example, among other efforts. We are also strengthening funding for public health. We are also seeing ongoing support from UNICEF when it comes to strengthening funding for nutrition. We are working together with civil society partners and others to promote healthy eating and improve related indicators. On behalf of our ministry, we I would like to express our thanks to UNICEF as a reliable strategic partner. We look forward to further strengthening cooperation in the context of implementing the new country program aimed at achieving our common goal, ensuring a healthier, future of well-being for each and every child. Thank you very much.

Thank you so much, Dr. Amizoda. And we acknowledge your efforts to fortify foods in your country and to address the underlying causes of malnutrition. I'll kindly ask the handlers, I think the volume We're struggling with the volume for some of the speakers, so if you could adjust, we'll appreciate that. It is now the turn of Ms. Karina Ismail, a civil society leader, a champion for nutrition in her country, Mozambique. Ms. Ismail is at the forefront of a strong fight to ensure that wasting, stunting, and emerging obesity are combated in her country. As a technical advisor, she's also part of drafting wide-ranging policies and programs for her country and has been instrumental in leading implementation across various provinces. She holds a master's degree in community nutrition from the University of Queensland in Australia. Ms. Ismail, you have the floor now, please. Can we see you, Ms. Ismail? Okay. I can see that you're struggling with the connection. If you don't mind, I'll jump onto the next person and then I'll come to you whilst our team will work with you to resolve the connectivity issue. So I'd like to move to the next panelist, Mrs. Tapani, who is the vice president, the committee secretary and treasurer of BJC Big Foundation in Thailand. She is the first woman in 140 years, in the 140 year history of her company to lead the organization. Through her private sector experience, her community leadership, she is a strong partner of UNICEF to champion development of children in the early years. We are pleased to have her on this panel. Ms. Tapany is a graduate from Harvard Business School, and she also has a degree in economics from MIT. Ms. Tapany, if you could please come in now.

Chair, distinguished members of the executive board and partners.

It's an honor to.

Be with you today, representing the BJC Vichy Foundation and as a proud partner of UNICEF Thailand. At BJC Vichy, we believe investing in children is both a shared social responsibility and an investment in Thailand's future. As our country ages and fewer children are born, helping every child reach their potential is no longer only a moral priority, but also an economic necessity. This commitment is personal to me and central to who we are as a company. Richy holds around 49% of Thailand's hypermarket share, reaching families through more than 1600 stores and a growing digital presence. That gives us a unique role in shaping healthier food environments because the choices on our shelves influence children's diets every day. This belief is behind our Healthy Check-Up Lanes initiative. Together with UNICEF, we ask how to make a healthier choice an easier choice for families. In 2024, we introduced healthy check-up lanes across 205 stores, replacing more than 22,000 less healthy products with healthier alternatives, guided by UNICEF nutrition standards. In 2025, we went further. At our Bangkok flagship store, every checkout lane is now a healthy one. The response from customers confirmed that we are on the right path. In a Unisec study, three quarters of customers surveyed said the new lanes met their needs, and two thirds said they nudged them towards healthier choices. these tools, healthier takeout environment can influence what families buy while still making good business sense. This is what I believe partnership with UNICEF should look like in an upper middle income country like Thailand. It goes beyond traditional philanthropy. UNICEF brings evidence, global standards, and expertise. VJC Big C brings scale, church space, and daily access to millions of Thai families. Neither of us can do enough alone, but together, a good idea can become a pilot. A pilot can become a national model, and a national model can become an industry standard. VJC Big C is proud to continue this journey with the Ministry of Thailand. using the scale of our business to help you and healthier future for every child in Thailand and potentially beyond.

Thank you.

Thank you so much, Ms. Tapany, for raising the important point that in upper middle income countries and in high income countries, the question is what is available on the shelves? what are families buying for their children, and the importance of regulating what goes into what is available for families to buy. And for poorer families, how they can be assisted to buy the right commodities for their families. Thank you very much. I'd like to invite our youth advocate for the session, Ms. Belinda Cha. a member of EU Report team in Guatemala. And she's also a member of a group called Fix My Food, Fix My Food Guatemala. I kind of like that name. And she's going to tell us more about it. Ms. Cha is a journalist, a youth advocate, a champion on various social issues, including nutrition and water. She's currently in school pursuing studies in sociology in her home country, Guatemala. Ms. Cha, you have the floor, please.

I'd like to begin with a question. What did you eat before coming to this meeting today? It sounds like a simple question, right? But in Guatemala, not everyone can answer this question in the same way. For some, eating means having choices. For others, it means what they can afford or find. And the fact is that in Guatemala, one in every two children under five lives with chronic malnutrition. At the same time, among adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age, overweight rates increased from 22 to 28 percent in less than a decade. Now how can these two realities exist at the same time in the same country? Well, as young people we have learned that what we eat depends on much more than our individual choices. It depends also on our environment, what we can buy, what we can receive, what we can afford. In Guatemala, a lot of young people don't have access to nutritious food, while others are surrounded by unhealthy products that are cheap, easy to find and constantly promoted. So the problem cannot simply be reduced to telling a young person to eat better. The question should be rather, what choices are we giving them? And that is why I am part of Fix My Food Guatemala. We believe that young people should play a key role in identifying what needs to change in our food environments. We observe our environment, we share our experiences, and we also identify the challenges that we want to see in our environment. Participation doesn't just mean inviting us to speak, but our voice is influencing decision making. And that's why my dreams are not complicated or impossible. I dream of real, affordable and healthy options to eat wherever we live and study. Our safe drinking water and nutritious foods within reach of all children and adolescents. And as a... young indigenous Maya woman, I dream that our traditional foods remain part of our identity. We don't need to act on what we hear and create spaces for young people to participate in decisions that shape our food environments. We do not want to be invited after decisions are made. We want a real place in the fora where these decisions are made. So this leads me to My last question, what would you eat today? What would you like to eat? What do we need to change today so that tomorrow each child and adolescent can answer that question knowing they had a healthy, affordable option and one that respects their culture? Thank you.

Thank you so much. Belinda, what did you eat this morning?

This morning with my eggs and beans. I had eggs and beans this morning and a lot of us eat tortillas. That's what I eat this morning. What did you eat this morning, sir?

Pass the test. I cannot answer your question about this morning, but I have learned from you and this evening I shall be better. Thank you so, so much. And the importance of dealing with, again, the combination of stunting and overweight and looking at the food that children eat. Prevention is doable. We know how to do it and how it works. An example has been shared with us. Thank you so much. I'd now like to introduce Ms. Nadine Peru, a colleague who is the UNICEF representative in Cameroon. She's been representative across a few countries as well, including Guinea-Bissau, El Salvador. She's in her previous life, before she joined UNICEF, a human rights champion in her own country, where she worked in the courts to fight for children and for women. and where she served as a judge in her country, Haiti. Nadine, you have the floor, please.

Thank you, Chair, distinguished delegates. Across West and Central Africa, too many children still lack the nutrition they need to survive and thrive. Stunting affects 40% of children under five in Central Africa, the highest rate on the continent, and 30% in West Africa. and security, disease outbreak, poverty, weak food system, and constrained public financing further heighten malnutrition risks for young children, adolescent girls, and women. This calls for a shift in approaches that primarily support service delivery to policy reform and system strengthening that prioritize prevention alongside treatment, reaching children, adolescent girls, and women at scale. It's my privilege to share the three key strategic shifts with you. First, UNICEF will support domestic financing for nutrition. Many countries continue to rely on external financing for essential nutrition commodities and services. The priority is to embed nutrition in national system through domestic financing for essential nutrition commodities and integration into primary health care and community platforms. In Cameroon, recent advocacy linked to the Child Nutrition Fund has contributed to a first ever government budget line of approximately $900,000 for ready-to-use therapeutic food. Second, UNICEF will support high impact interventions to improve children's diets and prevent malnutrition, supporting initiatives such as First Food Africa, which calls for locally produced, safe, affordable, and sustainable first food for children. to convert food in Cameroon, UNICEF is working with UN sister agencies, academia, and local manufacturers to produce fish powder to improve first food for young children, translating food systems transformation into better diets, stronger local value chains, and more sustainable nutrition outcomes. Third, we will continue to sustain integrated essential services in fragile and crisis affected settings in the context of the humanitarian reset. UNICEF continued leadership as cluster lead and coordinated and accountable action, keeping lifesaving nutrition, health, WASH protection and social services functioning while strengthening resilient frontline systems for displaced and host communities. Dear distinguished delegates, the way forward is clear. We must prevent child food poverty and malnutrition and build resilient systems for vulnerable children, adolescent girls, and women. UNICEF calls on government, member states, and all other stakeholders to join forces, accelerate action, and ensure that no child is left behind in the fight against malnutrition. Thank you.

Thank you, Nadine, and for all you are doing and your partnership with the government to increase financing for nutrition in Cameroon. I can see that Ms. Karina Ismail is now back online. So Ms. Ismail from Mozambique, you have the floor, please.

Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Executive Director of UNICEF, Excellency, distinguished delegates, and board members, dear colleagues, first of all, thank you for the opportunity given to us to share our experience in country. Spending has reduced from 43% in 2011 to 37 in 2022, demonstrating that progress is possible. That can be attributed to a strong government-led multisectoral nutrition coordination system that brings together government, civil society, UN agencies, development partners, and of course, the private sector, all together with the same purpose. All this coordinated by the Technical Secretariat for Food Security and Nutrition. and overseen by the Prime Minister through the National Council for Food Security and Nutrition. And this structure is replicated at subnational level, ensure that national priorities are translated into local actions. Mozambique National Food Security and Nutrition Policy and Strategy align with the national development strategy sets an ambitious target to reduce stunting below 30% by 2030. Mozambique has also reaffirmed its commitment to improve nutrition across the life cycle and ensure key sector plans and allocate resources annually to high impact nutrition intervention through its Nutrition for Growth and Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty commitments. As a civil society platform, we amplify community voice with strength accountability and we advocate for greater nutrition investment. Through community monitoring, we gather evidence on local needs and access to essential service, which informs provincial and district planning and budgeting. In 2025, this contribution to increase investment in water and nutrition service in the community across Nampula and Zambezia province, and this reached about 18,000 additional children. A recent study in Sofala province found that a multi-sectorial program implemented by the government institutions and partners, including UNICEF, with support from the EU, contribute to a significant improvement in stunting. This means that over 195,000 children, additional ones, will grow up well-nourished. To further advance the nutrition agenda, we, as a civil society, develop a nutrition manifesto that calls for a stronger political leadership to expand nutrition financing, including ensure an annual allocation of at least 1% of the public budget into high impact nutrition intervention, securing larger private sector contribution in promoting the use of innovative financing mechanisms such as the Child Nutrition Fund to unlock domestic funding to expand access and quality of high impact nutrition service to every woman, adolescent and child. Our lesson is clear, convergence works. Lastly, nutrition results requires a political commitment, an accountable government, investment, multisectorial action, and a multi-stakeholder collaboration to scale impactful interventions. Once again, thank you for allowing us to share. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Ms. Karen Ismail, and for all you are doing in Mozambique and reminding us that in some contexts like yours, over a third of children, despite progress, still have huge problems with stunting. 37% of children stunted requires acceleration. So I'd like to now bring the panel discussion to a close and to thank all our speakers. Dr. Mizouda, Ms. Ismael, Mrs. Tapani, Adanamic Belinda Cha, and Ms. Nadine Perot. We are committed to the strategic plan target of 500 million children well nourished. With your help, members of the executive board will be able to achieve it. Whether it's wasting, the stark images we see on the screen of children severely malnourished, which can be treated, who can be helped, whether it's stunting, or whether it's obesity, and the core message of prevention. So with that, Madam President, if you don't mind, I'll check if there are any Any questions related to the presentation and the panelists' views? I see no hand up, Madam President, so I'll pass it back to you. And thank you very much.

Thank you. Thank the presenters and the panelists for their remarks. And I'm very grateful to Mr. Larry Atje for his expert moderation of this segment. Distinguished delegates, in accordance with executive board decision 2014/1, country program documents are considered and approved in one session on a no objection basis. Delegations were invited to share the comments on the draft programme documents that were published on the Executive Board website from 9 to 29 June 2026. The comments received on the draft programmes, programme documents were taken into account as appropriate in the final versions of the documents. The final documents were made available on the Executive Board website in English and other relevant UN official languages in advance of this session. Costed evaluation plans associated with the respective programme documents were also published on the Executive Board website. In accordance with Executive Board decision 2025/13, letters from the respective United Nations resident coordinators confirming alignment of the draft country programme documents with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks were also made available on the Executive Board website. I would now like to open the floor for comments on the 17 programmes. program documents that are being considered by the board for approval on a no objection basis. We will open the floor by region and priority will be given to member states whose program documents are being approved by the board today on a no objection basis. We will begin with the country program documents for the Asia Pacific region. I open the floor for document, for comments on the country program documents. for the Laos People's Democratic Republic, Thailand and Vietnam documents E slash ICF slash 2026 P slash L point 11 to E slash ICF slash 2026 slash P slash L dot 13. I first give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Laos People's Republic.

Madam President, Madam Executive Director, distinguished delegates, the Lao PDR highly values its longstanding partnership with UNICEF, which more than five decades has played a vital role in advancing the rights and wellbeing of children and in delivering tangible results for children and family across the country. Through successive country programs implemented in close collaboration between the government, UNICEF, and other development partners, these programs have made significant contribution to improving maternal and child health and nutrition, quality education, adolescent empowerment, and the promotion of safe, clean, and sustainable environments for children. Building on these achievements, the new UNICEF country program document for the Lao PDR for 2027-2031 is the outcome of an inclusive and consultative process involving line ministries, development partners, civil society organizations, youth representatives, and other stakeholders. Accordingly, it reflects national priorities and responds to the evolving needs of children across the country. The CPD is fully aligned with the Lao PDR's National Socioeconomic Development Plan for 2026-2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2027-2031. It will also support the country's efforts to achieve a smooth, sustainable and irreversible graduation from LDC status while advancing the implementation of the 2030 agenda. Going forward, this CPD prioritizes equitable access to quality health, nutrition, early childhood development, inclusive education, strengthen child and social protection systems, and the empowerment of adolescents and young people. It will also integrate climate resilience and disaster risk reduction across all program areas. The Lao PDR welcomes and fully supports the new CPD and looks forward to its endorsement by the executive board. The CPD's full implementation will contribute to the progress towards achieving the SDGs and ensure that every child fully enjoys their rights and realizes their full potential. Finally, we extend our sincere appreciation to UNICEF, including its country office and regional office, for the continued partnership, technical expertise, and steadfast support. We are committed to continuing working closely with UNICEF and other development partners for improving the life of children in the Lao PDR. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Lao People's Republic. I now give the floor to the delegate of Thailand.

Thank you, President, distinguished members of the board, colleagues. Thailand indeed values the longstanding and fruitful partnership with UNICEF, which over the past seven decades has delivered results in promoting and protecting children's rights and ensuring that our children live to their full potential. We also recognize and very much appreciate that the CPD is the result of close consultations between UNICEF and the concerned agencies, relevant partners and stakeholders. We are pleased that there has also been engagement with our youth, who are key agents of change and should always have the opportunity to help shape their own future. Thailand supports the strong alignment of the CPD with forthcoming key policy documents, such as our next National Economic and Social Development Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the years 2027 to 2031. We believe that this will help ensure continuity and coherence, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of the work of UNICEF and the UN system on the ground. The priorities set out in the CPD, ensuring a safe, healthy and nurturing environment, ensuring learning and skills, as well as addressing child poverty and protection. are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, and they complement the Thai government's continuing efforts to empower children and youth through a holistic and inclusive approach that leaves no one behind, and also addresses the structural and demographic changes in the country. We are pleased that the CPD also aims to address issues, emerging issues affecting our children, including climate change, disaster, and the importance of strengthening AI governance, digital governance as a whole, and the prevention of online abuses to better protect our children. Thailand stands ready to work together with UNICEF and to implement the CPD for the benefit of our children and their future. We reaffirm our full support for the CPD presented today and hope that the Executive Board will also render its support to the document. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Thailand and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Vietnam. You have the floor.

Madam President, Madam Executive Director, distinguished college, Vietnam thanks UNICEF, particularly the Asia Pacific Regional Office and UNICEF Country Office in Vietnam for preparing the 2027-2031 country program. We welcome the CBD and fully support its approval. We commend its strong alliance with Vietnam's priorities and focus on reaching each and every Vietnamese. We value its forward-looking approach to dynamic shaping the next generations from climate change to digital technologies and AI, while keeping children rights, safety and wellbeing at the center. Its consideration today, 2nd of September, Vietnam National Day, gives this occasion special meaning, inviting us to reflect upon our hard gained journey of development and the partnership that have accompanied us. Our cooperation with UNICEF holds a special place. UNICEF was the first UN agency to establish presence in Hanoi in 1975, just two years before Vietnam joined the UN. Last year, we marked the 50 years of partnership. From post-war reconstruction to today's achievements, UNICEF has stood alongside Vietnam, helping generations of children survive, learn, thrive, and be protected. The timing of this new CPD is also significant, it seek, it cycle over coincides with Vietnam socio-economic development plan for 2026, 2030, while spending the final years of 2030 agenda and the transitions afterwards, it results can contribute directly both to Vietnam national development gains and to our broader sustainable development commitments. As the first country in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and as host of the landmark 100 conventions against cyber crime last year, Vietnam remain committed to protecting and empowering children in a rapidly changing world. We look forward to working with UNICEF and partners supported by flexible and predictable funding to translate the program into tangible results. so that every child can survive, thrive and contribute to Vietnam's future prosperity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Vietnam. I don't see any other requests from countries for the floor. So I now give the floor to the Regional Director Asia Pacific, Mr. Sanjay Vichy Sekera.

President, Excellencies, distinguished guests, delegates and colleagues, before beginning, allow me to extend my heartfelt condolences to the children and families affected by the devastating floods in Nepal and China. Our thoughts are with the affected communities and our teams continue to work tirelessly with partners to keep children safe, protected and supported through this emergency. I'm grateful to the members of the executive board for considering the proposed country programs of cooperation for Thailand, Vietnam, and Lao PDR. My sincere appreciation goes to the Royal Thai government for our longstanding partnership for every child. Thailand has dramatically reduced poverty and improved child health and education outcomes as it progresses towards high-income status. Yet disparities persist for children affected by poverty, migration, and geographic disadvantage. Very recently, in Klong Toey, Bangkok, I met five-year-old Kao and his grandmother Oi, who were struggling to balance childcare and rising household costs, including for food. With support from UNICEF and the Department of Children and Youth, they recently secured Thailand's child support grant, which brought much needed relief to the family. Their experience shows the difference effective social protection can make and why we must continue to reach those furthest behind. And it is with families like Gow's in mind that Thailand's program was developed, centering on three integrated pillars, safe and nurturing environments, learning and skills, and child poverty and protection, with climate resilience and disaster risk reduction being embedded throughout. Turning to Vietnam, and I extend my congratulations on the occasion of your National Day today, and my sincere appreciation to the Government of Vietnam for our partnership since 1975. Vietnam has achieved impressive poverty reduction and economic growth. Investing in its nearly 28 million children is vital to achieving its ambitions for high income status by 2045 and net zero emissions by 2050. The program focuses on inclusive child focus human development, good governance and child protection, and child centered climate disaster and environmental action. Finally, on Lao PDR, I extend my appreciation to the government of Lao PDR for our longstanding partnership. As the country prepares to graduate from least developed country status, investing in children and young people is essential to inclusive development. And our work together will be guided by three priorities, investing in the first thousand days, empowering children and adolescents through equitable learning, foundational skills, and participation, especially for girls and children with disabilities, and building resilience through climate resilient services. We thank our development partners, civil society, private sector, and above all, the children and adolescents whose voices shaped these programs. Again, I thank the governments of Thailand, Vietnam, and Lao PDR for their trust and partnership with UNICEF. And I thank the distinguished members of the executive board. Back to you, Madam President.

I thank Mr. Wijesekera for his remarks and join him in the condolences to the affected areas. This concludes our review of the country programme documents for the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thailand and Vietnam documents in accordance with Executive Board decision 2014/1. May I take it that these country programme documents are approved? I see no objections. It is so decided. We will now move to the Eastern and Southern Africa region and open the floor for comments on the country programme documents for Botswana, Eritrea, Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. I open the floor for comments on the country programme documents and first on my list is Botswana. I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Botswana. You have the floor, please.

Thank you, Madam President. Let me start by expressing Botswana's appreciation for UNICEF's commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of children worldwide. I also wish to thank the Executive Director, the UNICEF Botswana country team, and the entire UNICEF family for the strong and enduring partnership with the government and people of Botswana. It is indeed my honor to express the full support of the government of Botswana for the UNICEF country program document for Botswana for 2027-2031. The program is a product of extensive consultations involving the government, development partners, civil society, academia, children and young people. It is firmly aligned with Botswana's development priorities, including Vision 2036, the National Development Plan 12, while contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. Botswana has made significant progress in improving the welfare of children through sustained investments in health, education, social protection, and child welfare. Yet, some challenges remain. These include youth unemployment, neonatal and under-five mortality, learning and skills gaps, violence against children, as well as the impacts of HIV and climate change. We therefore welcome a program that responds directly to these challenges, while recognizing that progress also requires stronger national systems, improved efficiency and accountability, and better coordination across sectors. Botswana particularly welcomes the program's five life cycle approach, focusing on the first and second decades of life. For younger children, we welcome the emphasis on early childhood development, health, nutrition, education, and protection. For adolescent and young people, we strongly support interventions addressing health and HIV, protection from violence, skills development, meaningful participation, and a transition from education to decent employment. These investments are essential if Botswana is to harness its demographic dividend and build the human capital required for our future prosperity. We therefore respectively request the executive board to approve the UNICEF country program document for Botswana for 2027, 2031. We are confident that working together, This program will help ensure that every child in Botswana has not only the right to dream, but the opportunity to realize that dream. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Botswana. I now give the floor to the distinguished permanent representative of Eritrea. You have the floor.

President, excellencies, executive director, distinguished delegates. Today is a particularly meaningful occasion for Eritrea. As UNICEF celebrates its 80th anniversary, Eritrea is commemorating 50 years since the establishment of Beit Timotessora, affectionately known as Zero School. Established in 1976 by the Eritrean People's Liberation Front, in the midst of the bitter war for independence, the Zero School was created to ensure that Eritrean children would not become victims of the war around them. They were to be protected, nurtured, and educated despite the extraordinary circumstances in which they were growing up. It embodied a profound provision, a people fighting for its future must protect and prepare the children who will inherit the future. That commitment continued with independence. Among the first international conventions Eritrea signed was the Convention on the Rights of the Child, firmly anchoring the rights and well being of children in the country in the country's national journey. Since independence, Eritrea has made important progress in advancing the survival, health, education, and well-being of its children. Child mortality has declined significantly, while immunization and access to essential health services have expanded. Eritrea has also made progress in expanding access to education and strengthening systems that reach children and families, including in remote communities. These achievements reflect not only the efforts of the government, but also the contribution of families, communities, schools, health workers, and partners, a whole of society commitment to ensure that children survive, are protected and nurtured, receive an education, and have the opportunity to develop to their full potential. UNICEF has been an important partner in this journey. Its partnership with Eritrea dates from the early years of independence, supporting the country's efforts to address the needs of children and families emerging from war. The new country program represents yet another chapter of this partnership. The CPD recognizes that progress brings responsibilities. In education, the focus is increasingly on quality learning and the foundations laid in early childhood. Eritrea is investing in this next change, including the training of 7,000 pre-primary teachers and plans to establish kindergarten centers in nearly 2,000 communities. This is precisely where the whole of society approach matters. Education and protection began long before a child enters classroom and extend far beyond it. Families, communities, teachers, health workers, government institutions, and partners all have a role in creating an environment in which children are safe, healthy, supported, and able to learn. The CPD was developed through a participatory process with Eritrean institutions and stakeholders, grounded in evidence and aligned with Eritrea's national priorities, including Vision 2030 and the forthcoming National Development Plan 2027 to 2031. It builds on national systems and community-based approaches, strengthening what already exists. As we move into implementation, Eritrea looks to UNICEF to continue walking with us in this effort, supporting and strengthening of national capacities and systems, expanding quality early childhood education, improving foundational learning, and reinforcing integrated child protection, particularly for children and communities that remain underserved. 50 years ago, the Zeros School demonstrated this commitment under the most difficult circumstances. Today, we carry it forward through our institutions and communities and partnerships. The children protected and educated during the liberation struggle became the generation that built an independent Eritrea. Our responsibility now is to prepare the next generation to build its future. Eritrea, therefore, welcomes the endorsement of the country program. document and looks forward to a stronger, deeper and results-oriented partnership with UNICEF, grounded in national ownership, mutual respect and a shared commitment to every child. As UNICEF marks 80 years and Eritrea marks 50 years since the zero school, these anniversaries remind us that protecting children is protecting the future, educating children is building the future and building that future is a responsibility we all share. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Eritrea. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Eswatini. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, Madam Executive Director, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Eswatini welcomes the presentation of its country program document for 2027-2030. and appreciates UNICEF's constructive and consultative engagement with the government and national stakeholders throughout its development. Eswatini welcomes the strong alignment of the proposed program with the Eswatini National Development Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Corporation, the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026-2029, and our commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We particularly welcome the program's lifecycle approach with a focus on children in the first and second decades of life. This recognizes that what we do in early years in areas such as survival, health, nutrition, and early childhood development has a direct bearing on children's ability to remain in school, access health and protection services, develop the skills they need, and make a successful transition into adulthood. Eswatini also welcomes the program's focus on system strengthening, improving sustainable financing, using data and evidence, and ensuring equitable last mile service delivery. We value the recognition of national and community structures, including local governance and community institutions, as important partners in reaching vulnerable children and families. We further welcome the attention given to child-sensitive social protection, primary health care, immunization, nutrition, WASH, education, adolescent health, HIV prevention, child protection, and youth skill development. At the same time, Eswatini recognizes that the success of the program will depend on adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing. We note that a significant part of the proposed program will rely on other resources. We therefore encourage UNICEF and development partners to continue supporting resource mobilization while also strengthening domestic financing and institutional capacity. This will be essential to ensure that the progress made through the program can be sustained beyond the program cycle. We also underscore the importance of ensuring that system strengthening translates into measurable improvements in the lives of children. This is particularly important for children living in rural areas and underserved communities, children with disabilities, and children experiencing poverty and other forms of vulnerability. As Swaziland looks forward to work closely with UNICEF and our development partners in implementing this program, we remain committed to ensuring that our collective efforts and investments lead to tangible and sustainable results for every child. Eswatini supports the country program document for 2027-2030 and looks forward to its successful implementation. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Eswatini. I then now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Mozambique. You have the floor.

Yes, thank you, Madam President. Madam President, UNICEF country program document for 2027-2030. offers a strategic framework to Mozambique's national realities. The long-standing partnership between Mozambique and UNICEF has been instrumental in advancing children's rights and driving national development. The CPD aligns directly with that commitment. Its emphasis on lifelong trajectories, targeting young children from birth to strengthen early foundations, and adolescent to prevent vulnerability from hardening reflects an evidence-based approach we endorse. The integrated architecture across health, education, child protection and WASH is essential. Mozambique's post-conflict and climate vulnerable contest demands that UNICEF work across these sectors in concert with government. Madam President, we welcome the CPD's alignment with Mozambique's national priorities, including the government's five year program, 2025-2029. We also welcome UNICEF's commitment to support humanitarian development peacebuilding linkages, ensuring schools and health clinics remain functioning during emergencies, and that vaccination and the nutritional programs are protected. Beyond the program itself, successful implementation rests on three prerequisites. First, Financing must be predictable and sustained. Second, partnership must extend to provincial and district authorities. We believe UNICEF's engagement with local authorities is critical to SDG localization agenda. Third, support to build independent data system is critical. We require technical partnership to embed routine reporting systems in districts and municipalities. In conclusion, Madam President, Mozambique reaffirms its full commitment to working with UNICEF to translate the programme into results. We support the adoption of the programme document for Mozambique 2027-2030. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Mozambique, and I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Zimbabwe.

Thank you, Madam President. I wish to express my delegation's appreciation for your exceptional leadership and stewardship of this session. I also extend my government's appreciation to UNICEF for its longstanding partnership with Zimbabwe. Madam President, Zimbabwe welcomes the country program document for 2027 to 2031 and commends the consultative and constructive spirit.

Within which the document was prepared.

We particularly welcome its alignment with our Vision 2030, our economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 2, as well as our commitment to leave no child behind. Allow me to share a few reflections on the document. First, We commend the program's focus on maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, immunization, education and skills development, water and sanitation, birth registration, child protection and climate resilience, as this reflects consideration of our national priorities. We also welcome the emphasis on strengthening national and subnational institutions and delivering integrated services at the district and community level. Second, To ensure effective implementation, Zimbabwe emphasizes the importance of continued national ownership and leadership. All activities and programs need to be implemented in full respect and alignment with Zimbabwe's constitution, laws, policies, and development priorities through established government UNICEF coordination mechanisms. Programs concerning adolescents should remain age appropriate. and attentive to safeguarding the role of parents and guardians. Third, we encourage UNICEF to continue working closely with the government to streamline data collection mechanisms, relevant baseline indicators, and ensure predictable and flexible financing. Resources need to be directed principally towards frontline services and ensuring measurable, impactful results for children. I wish to conclude by reaffirming Zimbabwe's support for the approval of the country programme document. My government looks forward to working with UNICEF in its implementation in the spirit of mutual trust, transparency and accountability for the benefit of our communities. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Zimbabwe. I now give the floor to the Regional Director, Eastern and South Africa, Ms. Etleva Kadili. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you so much, Madam President, distinguished delegates and colleagues. I thank the members of the Executive Board for reviewing the proposed country programs for Botswana, Eritrea, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. My sincere gratitude goes to the respective governments for their strong leadership and ownership in the development of these country programs. I also wish to thank Misha Ishmael for her inspiring message earlier today. While these CPDs respond to diverse national contexts, they share a common commitment to advancing national development priorities and Africa Agenda for Children 2040. In addition, they are aligned to the UN SD, SDCF, UNICEF Africa agenda, UNICEF Africa strategy, and the strategic plan designed to deliver greater and sustainable results for children. Madam President, a defining feature of all five CPDs is their strong strategic focus and prioritization. being developed in a more constrained financing environment to achieve scale and impact for families and communities. For example, in Botswana, UNICEF and government will prioritize child-sensitive financing and social protection, while in Eritrea, we'll focus on strengthening nation systems through targeted high-impact interventions. In Eswatini, we'll advance public finance management and data systems, while in Mozambique, we'll strengthen connection between national systems and financing with critical frontline multi-sectoral services. And finally, in Zimbabwe, we'll prioritize shifting from sectoral approaches toward district level programming for quality social services. Madam President, these CPDs reflect UNICEF continued commitment in support of the strengthening government nation systems and accelerating progress for every child. Once again, I thank the executive board.

Thank, I thank Ms. Kadili for her remarks. This concludes our review of the country programme documents for Botswana, Eritrea, Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. These are documents E/ICEF/2026/P/L.14 to L.18, in accordance with Executive Board decision 2014/1. May I take it that these country programme documents are approved? I see no objections. It is so decided. We will now move to the Europe and Central Asia region and open the floor for comments on the country program documents for Albania and Tajikistan. I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Albania. You have the floor, madam.

Thank you, Madam President. Albania highly appreciates its longstanding and fruitful partnership with UNICEF and has already expressed its approval of UNICEF's six country program for Albania for the period 2027, 2031. We also express our appreciation for the comprehensive and inclusive consultation process that informed this country program involving a wide range of national and local stakeholders. This participatory approach is essential to ensuring that the program responds effectively to Albania's priorities and to the needs of children and young people across the country. We particularly welcome the strong alignment of the six country program with Albania's national priorities, as well as the priorities of Albania's European Union accession process. In this regard, we consider the sixth program an important instrument for advancing the rights, wellbeing and development of every child in Albania. Its focus on care and protection, learning and skills, and governance and accountability for children's rights responds directly to our national priorities and to the challenges facing children and young people today. This includes strengthening child protection and social services, ensuring inclusive and quality education, developing skills for the future, advancing gender equality, and addressing the opportunities and risk associated with digital transformation, including children access to digital technologies and their safety online. Albania has recently achieved an important milestone with adoption of its national action plan for the child guarantee 2026-2030. As the first country in the Western Balkans to align its national framework with the European Child Guarantee, Albania is strengthening its commitment to ensuring that all children, particularly those in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations, have effective access to essential services and opportunities. We remain fully committed to fulfilling our international obligations under the Convention on the Child, on the Right of the Child and its optional protocols. We will continue advancing child protection inclusion, education, gender equality and access to justice, while strengthening the institutions and mechanism responsible for safeguarding children's rights. At the same time, Albania has continued to strengthen governance and accountability for children's rights by consolidating the responsibilities of central and local institutions. In this context, we attach particular importance to the role of the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection as a public institution responsible for promoting, monitoring and protecting children's rights in Albania. Looking ahead, we consider strong coordination and complementarity to be essential. close cooperation between UNICEF, Albanian national and local institutions, civil society and other development partners will be critical to maximizing the impact of our joint efforts. Albania remains fully committed to our partnership with UNICEF and to the successful implementation of the six country programme for 2027-2031. Together, we must continue working to ensure that every child in Albania has the opportunity to grow, learn, participate and thrive. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Albania. I now give the floor to the distinguished Permanent Representative of Tajikistan.

Thank you, Madam President. At the outset, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to UNICEF for its longstanding and effective partnership. For decades, this partnership has supported our national efforts to improve health, education, protection, and well-being of our children. The new country program document for Tajikistan for 2027-2030 comes at an important moment. Children represent around 40% of our population and almost two-thirds of Tajikistan population is under the age of 30. This is both a responsibility and a tremendous opportunity. As UNICEF's Generation 2050 analysis rightly highlights, Sustained investment in children and young people can help Tajikistan turn its demographic potential into demographic dividend. We therefore welcome the strong alignment of the country program document with our national development strategy to 2030, the midterm development program for 2016-2030, and other relevant sectoral priorities. Madam President, for us, the key objective is clear, to invest in the human capital of our children. This begins with maternal and child health, nutrition, and early childhood development. It continues through quality and inclusive education, and it must prepare adolescents and young people for the future. We particularly welcome the focus on digital green and transferable skills, stronger school to work transitions, and closer links with the labor market needs. We equally value the program's emphasis on child and social protection, disability inclusion, and reaching children in rural, mountainous, and hard to reach communities. Climate resilience is also essential. Tajikistan is highly exposed to climate related and natural hazards. Protecting children therefore requires stronger preparedness, early warning, and resilient health, education, and social protection systems. Madam President, this country program document is nationally owned. It was developed through close consultations with our ministries and institutions and reflects the development priorities of Tajikistan. We therefore kindly ask the Executive Board to approve Tajikistan's CPD today. I wish to express our particular appreciation to Mr. Artur Vardzishvili. former UNICEF representative in Tajikistan for his leadership, dedication and tireless work in Tajikistan. His contribution to strengthening cooperation between UNICEF and the government is deeply valued. We are also pleased to welcome Ms. Gabrielle Akimova as a new UNICEF representative and Mr. Eduard Begbeder, regional director of Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia. To our team, we look forward to working closely with them and their team as we move from this country program document to its implementation. Ultimately, the success of this program will be measured not by document, but by results in the lives of children. The government of Tajikistan remains fully committed to working with UNICEF to achieve those results for every child everywhere in Tajikistan. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Tajikistan. I now give the floor to the Regional Director at Interim Europe and Central Asia, Mr. Edward Baigbeder. Please, you have the floor.

Madam President, distinguished members of the Executive Board, colleagues, First of all, let me say my sincere thanks to the government of Albania and Tajikistan for their strong partnership throughout the development of their country program documents. In Europe and Central Asia, nutrition is no longer only a question of health. It's a question of equity, resilience, and human capital. Regional nutrition agenda is complex. In parts of Central Asia, children still suffer from stunting, wasting, and anemia, while across many countries, overweight and obesity are increasing. These challenges are manifestation of the same underlying question, whether children and families have the condition they need to survive, grow, learn, and thrive. Poor nutrition affects development and learning today, but it also shapes the productivity, cohesion, and resilience of societies tomorrow. The experience of our region points to one clear lesson. We will not solve malnutrition by scaling isolated intervention. Together with governments, WHO, the EU, and other partners, We have been helping countries move towards a system-based approach to child health and nutrition. Our work includes strengthening breastfeeding support, advancing healthier schools, nutrition, strengthening nutrition financing, and generating the evidence needed to inform policy and investment. The new country programs put this approach into practice. In Albania, for example, addressing nutrition is envisaged by strengthening the provision of integrated services through implementation of a European child guarantee. In Tajikistan, nutrition is a prominent national priority, and UNICEF supports the government to strengthen nutrition governance, financing, and regulatory frameworks. improve prevention and management of wasting, promote breastfeeding and better complementary feeding practices, and create healthier food environments in and around schools. These efforts will be embedded in the wider system that supports children and families throughout the life course. Protecting investments in children is one of the smartest decisions. that governments can make in their future human capital. That's why the next phase of our work must be moving from evidence to policy, from policy to financing, and from financing to implementation at scale. Thank you, Madam President. Back to you.

I thank Mr. Begbeder for his remarks. This concludes our review of the country programme documents for Albania and Tajikistan, documents E/ICEF/2026/P/L.19 to 20, in accordance with Executive Board decision 2014/1. May I take it that these country programme documents are approved? I see no objections. It is so decided. I now move to the Latin America and Caribbean region. I open the floor for comments on the multi-country programme document for the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean countries, document E/ICEF/2026/P/L.21, and the country programme documents for Guatemala and Uruguay, respectively, point 22 and point 23. Anyone asking for the floor? I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Jamaica.

Thank you, Madam President. I have the honor to deliver this intervention on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as my own delegation, Jamaica, on the UNICEF multi-country program document for the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries for the period 2027 to 2031. We express our appreciation to UNICEF for its continued partnership with our governments as we remain committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential. We are pleased to support the adoption of this MCPD and the consultative process through which it has been developed and its alignment to key frameworks, including the ABAS as well as our respective national development plans. We also welcome the program's three areas of focus, strengthening equitable access to resilient social systems, child protection systems, and the integration and shock responsiveness of social protection and other services. These priorities are in line with those of our respective countries. We recognize that investment in the early years, primary health care, nutrition, mental health, and psychosocial support, early childhood development, and foundational learning are essential to the holistic growth and development of the child. In conjunction with this, education must also prepare children to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of them, equipping them with the skills, resilience, and ability to achieve their highest potential and to adapt to an ever-changing environment. We therefore encourage UNICEF to enhance its support for strengthened, resilient, and inclusive education systems to ensure that all children, including children with disabilities and children living in vulnerable situations, are not left behind. Madam President, while our respective countries have made significant progress in advancing children's rights and improving their social outcomes, our efforts have been stymied by shocks, including natural disasters, which continue to exacerbate the vulnerabilities of small island developing states. For the Caribbean, therefore, resilience is not an abstract concept. It is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Our experience on the front line of the planetary polycrisis has long demonstrated how suddenly, but with far reaching impacts, crises affect household incomes, food security, education, and access to essential services, particularly for children. To this end, it is imperative that social protection systems have the ability to quickly respond while protecting the investments already made in our children. We therefore welcome the program's recognition of the interconnected challenges impacting the lives of children, its focus on strengthening existing systems, and its emphasis on evidence-based shock-responsive social protection systems rather than relying primarily on stand-alone interventions. Madam President, each of our nations carries its own unique realities, challenges, and aspirations. And while our region cannot be fitted into a single mold or collective objective, it's to ensure that every child can grow up in an environment where their dignity, safety, and rights are respected. For more than half a century, Caribbean governments and their people have practiced and expanded regional cooperation, particularly through CARICOM, and we continue to learn from each other. Our experiences are testament to what we can achieve with greater impact when we share evidence, technical expertise, innovations, and approaches that have demonstrated meaningful results. At the same time, the regional approach of the MCPD must preserve national ownership. Working with stakeholders in the region, UNICEF must ensure that regional solutions remain sufficiently flexible to respond to national priorities while enabling countries to benefit from shared learning. The Caribbean Reference Group provides an important mechanism for maintaining the necessary dialogue and ensuring that governments remain at the center of implementation. Our own commitment must be met with strong partnerships for the success of this program. Our respective governments value UNICEF's collaboration with CARICOM, the United Nations system, international financial institutions, and other development partners. We encourage these partnerships to be well-coordinated around national priorities, and to reduce fragmentation in development assistance. Finally, Madam President, the 12 participating countries in this program are united by the shared conviction that every child in the Caribbean should have the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and educated. Every child should also be empowered to realize their full potential and positively shape the future for our societies. The multi-country program document provides us with an opportunity to translate that conviction into collective action, And so, on behalf of the 12 participating countries, we reaffirm our commitment to working with UNICEF and all partners to implement the program. And in this regard, kindly invite the adoption of the multi-country program document by the executive board. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Jamaica for her presentation. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Guyana. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President. Allow me to convey Guyana's appreciation to the members of the Executive Board for the important work that you continue to do in implementing UNICEF's mandate. Guyana aligns with the joint statement delivered by the representative of Jamaica. We join in thanking UNICEF for the comprehensive multi-country program document 2027 to 2031, and for UNICEF's continued valuable support and close collaboration with Guyana. We welcome the strategic shift in approach from project-based implementation to evidence-based solutions, which must be based on reliable data. The program document reflects many of the realities the Caribbean faces. The region's high exposure to climate-related shocks and socioeconomic pressures underscore the urgency of the priorities outlined and the importance of continued partnership with UNICEF. The emphasis on strengthening data systems and regional cooperation through CARICOM and the OECS will aid in ensuring that investments reach disproportionately affected children. Guyana supports the MCPD's three programmatic outcomes, which align closely with our national priorities. Child poverty reduction is a priority for Guyana reflected in strong investment by government across key sectors, including education, health, and social protection. Sustained and targeted efforts are yielding positive results for all children in Guyana. The MCPD's focus on addressing the triple areas of mental health, malnutrition, and learning bolsters several of our national initiatives. In this regard, I highlight our expanded school feeding program, strengthened maternal and child health services, and advanced early childhood development, including through parenting programs. The emphasis on integrating mental health and psychosocial support into primary healthcare is also timely and will complement Guyana's efforts to expand school-based counseling and community mental health outreach. The MCPD's emphasis on protecting children from violence is critical, in particular, the digitally enabled child protection systems. survivor-centered services, and scholastic violence prevention. UNICEF's support for child-centered disaster risk reduction will directly enhance our ability to strengthen protections for children, including those in hinterland and indigenous communities, and those affected by migration pressures. In closing, Guyana expresses support for the multi-country program document and looks forward to working closely with UNICEF and our regional partners to ensure that every child in Guyana and across the Caribbean can enjoy their full rights and realize their full potential. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Guyana, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Suriname. You have the floor, sir. Please press a button, sir.

Madam President, distinguished members of the board, colleagues, Suriname aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Jamaica. Suriname appreciates the inclusive consultations that have guided the development of the program document. For Suriname, the rights and well-being of every child remains a national priority. Therefore, the government has taken several concrete steps in recent years to strengthen its national policy in this regard. In early childhood development and education, the government launched its national multi-sectoral early childhood development policy 2025-2035 bringing together education, health nutrition, childcare protection, and parental support. Initiatives such as play, discover, and learn further support early learning and strengthen the capacity of caregivers and daycare workers. In child protection, the government strengthened its institutional framework. including through the establishment of the Child Ombuds Institute in 2025. We continue to place emphasis on prevention, positive parenting, non-violent discipline, and stronger coordination among the sectors responsible for protecting children from violence, abuse, and neglect. Mental health and psychosocial well-being are also receiving increased attention. With UNICEF support, the government conducted a national study on the mental health of children and adolescents, covering 1,166 young people in 56 schools across all 10 districts. This evidence is helping to inform a more coordinated natural response and strengthen support in schools and communities. In addition, the government places strong emphasis on data evidence and national institutional capacity. We believe that data must go beyond reporting and serve as a practical tool for identifying inequalities, informing policy and ensuring that resources reach the children most in need. Madam President, the multi-country approach should promote regional cooperation and knowledge sharing while preserving national ownership and flexibility to respond to country-specific realities. Suriname therefore reaffirms its support to the multi-country program document for 2027 to 2031 and look forward to continued partnership with UNICEF and all stakeholders to ensure that every child in Suriname has the opportunity to grow up healthy, develop, and live free from violence and poverty. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Suriname. I now give the floor to Guatemala. You have the floor, ma'am.

Thank you. Madam President, Guatemala is grateful for the work of the regional director Roberto Benes and thanks the work of Alexandra Trocero and her office in drafting the document for the country program 2027 to 2030. This program is a tool to strengthen national efforts geared towards guaranteeing the rights and comprehensive development of children and adolescents, as well as breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and inequality. My delegation particularly recognises its alignment with the national development plans and with the UN cooperation framework. What is more, we recognise the importance of strengthening national public financing and exploring innovative mechanisms that can contribute to making interventions for children more sustainable. We particularly appreciate the cooperation of UNICEF with national institutions and their contribution to strengthening public policies and institutional capacities. We underscore the joint work in early childhood nutrition, education, health, social protection, as well as generating evidence to guide decision making and public investment. The public policy on the comprehensive development of early childhood for 2024 to 2044 is a concrete example of this cooperation and national ownership for priorities related to children. Guatemala appreciates the fact that the programme continues the work in these areas with particular attention on reducing gaps, strengthening national and local systems to protect and meet the needs of girls, boys and adolescents in contexts of mobility and migration. We will continue to work closely with UNICEF, national institutions and other partners to achieve the results planned. In this regard, we invite members of the Executive Board to favourably consider the Um, country program document for Guatemala and support its approval. Thank you.

And I now give the floor to distinguished permanent representative of Uruguay. You have the floor, ma'am.

Madam President, executive director, Catherine Roussel, regional director, Roberto Benes. I'll continue in English.

On behalf of Uruguay, I would like to begin by expressing our deepest gratitude for the United Nations Children's Fund, reiterating our full support for its mandate to promote and protect the human rights of all children. We particularly value UNICEF's presence in our country and would like to highlight the strong working relationship we have maintained with the agency since it established its office in Uruguay in 1992. Uruguay's public policies are guided by a human rights base and intersectional approach that prioritizes children and place the best interest of the child at the center of all interventions. However, we are fully aware that we continue to face important challenges in ensuring the human rights of all children, particularly those living in situations of greater vulnerability, with child poverty being a matter of particular concern. Four out of 10 children and adolescents live in households affected by monetary poverty. And poverty rates among children are twice as high as those among adults. Other concerns such as girls unpaid work and absenteeism in secondary education, children in residential care and violence against women and children among others are also require further attention and improvement. Uruguay, despite its status as a high income country and its achievements in human development, still faces deep internal inequalities that hinder its sustainable development. In this regard, we hope to continue counting on UNICEF support as we address these challenges and continue working in areas of key importance for Uruguay. The UNICEF team in Uruguay has been able to leverage resources and partnerships, maximizing the impact of international cooperation in a responsible, creative and efficient manner and very importantly, in line with our national strategies and priorities. As highlighted in our country program for 27, 2027, 2030, which we hope will be adopted today, UNICEF's engagement in Uruguay is supported by a program financed through public and private resources mobilized at the national level. Every resource channeled through UNICEF in Uruguay translates into improved lives, innovative policy models that can inspire other countries, and a more inclusive and equitable Uruguay. In this regard, we look forward to continuing to strengthen the partnership between Uruguay and UNICEF in the years to come. I thank you very much.

Gracias.

I thank the distinguished Permanent Representative of Uruguay. I now give the floor to the Regional Director, Latin America and Caribbean, Mr. Roberto Benes. Please, you have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, distinguished members of the Executive Board, Excellencies, the country programs before you today reflect the extraordinary diversity of the Latin American Caribbean region. These different country typologies, the coexistence of persistent challenges alongside profound potential opportunities and political leadership. In the Caribbean, the proposed multi-country program is a strategic platform for collective action across 12 English and Dutch speaking Caribbean countries. It responds to the particular vulnerability of small island developing states. including climate and disaster risk, economic volatility, geographic dispersions, and persistent inequalities. Developed through sustained engagement with governments, regional institutions, civil society, and adolescents, the program focuses on improving access to quality health, nutrition, and education services, ending violence against children, reducing child poverty, and strengthening shock-responsive social protection. The program is aligned with the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SEEDS, the UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and importantly, national priorities. The proposed multi-country program will enable more focused, specialized, and efficient support, strengthen regional cooperation, and deploy capacity where it is most needed. It will preserve presence and tailor engagement with each government through country specific annual work plans. This will ensure the country specificity and ownership are always fully respected. Moving to Uruguay, the program demonstrate UNICEF continued relevance in a high income country. Uruguay has made important progress for children supported by strong institution and social policies. However, national averages can obscure inequities affecting children and adolescents living in poverty. The program will support evidence informed policy. innovation, strategic partnership, and public investment for children to accelerate more equitable and sustainable results at scale. The program also reflects Uruguay commitment to share its important policy experience with other countries. Madam President, in Guatemala now the context is different and calls for an equally focused response. As we just heard from Belinda Chao, the youth advocate, too many children continue to face severe rights deprivation. Chronic malnutrition and stunting remain among the highest in the region, reflecting structural inequalities that disproportionately affect indigenous children and children in rural communities. The program here will support national and local systems to improve the quality, reach, and coordination of essential services, advance evidence-based policies and investments, and address the underlying causes of malnutrition, exclusion, and violence. Taken together, these programs reflect UNICEF's strategic direction for Latin America and the Caribbean, a modern, differentiated program offer tailored to country context and grounded in evidence, positioning UNICEF as a catalyst for partnership, public investment, and sustainable results at scale. Madam President, I express sincere appreciation and thank all our government partners and civil society organization, the voices of children and adolescents for the close engagement in developing these programs. We look forward to continuing our shared work to ensure that every child in Latin America and the Caribbean can survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential. I thank you.

I thank Mr. Benes for his remarks. This concludes our review of the multi-country programme document for the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean countries, document ending in L21, and the country programme documents for Guatemala and Uruguay, documents ending L.22 and L.23, in accordance with Executive Board decision 2014/1. May I take it that these programme documents are approved? I see no objections. It is so decided. Finally, we will move to the West and Central Africa region and open the floor for comments on the country program documents for Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and Mali. I first give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Burkina Faso. You have the floor.

Madam President, at the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to the Executive Director of UNICEF, as well as her entire team, and to you and the members of the Executive Board. for the work accomplished in fulfilling UNICEF's mandate, which is to work for the well-being of children. We commend and thank the regional director for presenting Burkina Faso's cooperation program, guaranteeing children's rights to security and well-being. is a priority for the Government of Burkina Faso, which spares no effort at the legal, institutional, and operational levels. The socioeducational and health programs, along with numerous other specialized programs, have been put in place in Burkina Faso. in order to ensure comprehensive care for children's needs, particularly in these crucial periods of combating insecurity and terrorism. Notwithstanding the efforts made to address child protection issues, certain challenges still remain, particularly with regard to coordination and partnership among the various actors involved in child protection, as well as the promotion of family and community-based responses and their coordination with institutional protection systems, social services, health, justice, and so on, and the promotion of harmonized tools to provide care and monitoring of children's situations. It is in this spirit that Burkina Faso welcomes the development of this cooperation program, which reflects the strength of the partnership between our country and UNICEF in the service of children's well-being. This cooperation program for 2027-2030 has been drafted in line with the vision set out in the national development plan for 2026-2030, entitled Plan Relance, and will, we hope, help consolidate progress achieved, address funding gaps, and guarantee every child in Burkina Faso a protective environment whatever the circumstances may be. We would therefore urge the members of the Executive Board to kindly adopt this program. President, members of the Board, Burkina Faso is committed to playing its full part in the implementation of this program as part of a broader process of building a sovereign and prosperous nation pursuing domestic and sustainable development for the well-being of all, particularly children. The Regional Director may rest assured of the ongoing availability of the Burkina authorities to continue collaborating with him so that UNICEF's objectives may be achieved for the benefit of the children of Burkina Faso. By way of conclusion, Madam President, I would like to thank the members of the Executive Board for their steadfast efforts in the service of children's well-being. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate from Burkina Faso. I next give the floor to Cameroon, distinguished delegate. Please, you have the floor.

Madam President,

Madam President, my delegation welcomes the preparation of the country program for Cameroon for 2027-2031. This new program, prepared as part of a process involving in-depth consultations, is fully aligned with national priorities. as defined in our national development strategy for 2020-2030, SND30, which is the reference framework for the government's actions aimed at a structural transformation of the economy, promoting inclusive growth, and improving populations' living conditions. My delegation also welcomes the linkages that it contains with the United Nations programs and UNICEF strategic guidelines. The government attaches particular importance to ensuring that the support of the UN system remains fully in line with national priorities and contributes to capacity building of our national institutions in order to ensure sustainable results. Madam President, the country program narrative attaches particular importance to children and adolescents, and particularly the most vulnerable. This is also in line with our government's priorities for the development of human capital, social protection, sharing access to basic services. My delegation notes with satisfaction that the program is focused around three key priorities, child development, learning in a healthy and protective environment, as well as protecting children against violence, abuse, and exploitation. These priorities are fully coherent with the government's efforts in the field of health care and nutrition, vaccination, education, water and sanitation, as well as child protection. And is meant to contribute to addressing disparities between various territories and improving access to basic services, particularly in remote areas. The government also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening national child protection mechanisms in line with our national legislation and international commitments of Cameroon. Madam President, the Government appreciates the comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach proposed by UNICEF. This should prioritize strengthening national systems and local institutional capacities, as well as an increased use of data and evidence to develop, implement, and follow up on public policies. Territorial disparities must also be taken into account, as well as the impacts of climate change and humanitarian situation. In this regard, the government welcomes the search for better complementarity between humanitarian actions and development efforts in full respect of national coordination mechanisms and the priorities defined by the national authorities. As in the past, the implementation of the program will be based on close cooperation between the government and all stakeholders, including UNICEF, local governments, civil society, and other UN system entities. Our government attaches particular importance to national ownership in this regard, as well as the leadership of our national institutions. capacity building, and achieving concrete, measurable, and sustainable results. It is also important for the follow-up mechanism to allow to regularly track progress achieved and its contribution to the achievement of the SND 2030 and the UN Framework for Sustainable Development. Madam President, to conclude, My delegation would like to welcome the and commend the quality of the cooperation between the government and UNICEF. We take this opportunity to commend the regional director for Western and Central Africa as well as the UNICEF representative to Cameroon, Ms. Nadine Perrot. These entities are the genuine, the true linchpin of this partnership, which is something that we work on every day with our national authorities. The government reaffirms its commitment to the well-being and protection of children and adolescents in Cameroon. and hopes that this new cycle will allow to consolidate gains achieved, to strengthen national capacities in a sustainable way, and mobilize partnerships and resources that are in line with our ambitions. It is above all important for these resources to bring measurable, tangible, long-term results for the benefit of all children in Cameroon and the most vulnerable in particular. We support the adoption of the UNICEF country program for Cameroon for 27-2031 and reaffirm the government's availability to continue close cooperation and constructive cooperation with UNICEF with a view to the effective implementation of the program. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Cameroon and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Chad.

President, I would like to begin by expressing our sincere thanks to the teams of UNICEF, both within the Chad office at the regional and central level, and all of our technical and financial partners. We thank them for their ongoing support for the cause of children in Chad. The cooperation program between Chad and UNICEF for 2027-2030 submitted for the board's approval. seeks to mobilize resources to support national priorities and strengthen investment into human capital, which is a central element of our national development plan for the period through 2030. This program is the outcome of broad national consultations carried out under the government's leadership with the participation of the parliament, local government, civil society, technical and financial partners, as well as young people and adolescents. This new program is based on the significant gains achieved through the cooperation between the government and UNICEF. In recent years, child mortality of children under five has significantly decreased. Vaccination coverage has doubled. Acute malnutrition has decreased as well. More children are attending school and graduating from school. Access to safe drinking water has also improved. And we have also seen an improvement in the registration of births as well. This shows that Investments into national systems and communities can bring about concrete changes in the lives of families and children. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain. The impacts of climate change, recurring humanitarian crises, demographic pressure, population displacement, and poverty continue to weaken progress that has been achieved. That is why the cooperation program for 2027-2030 seeks to offer 3.7 million children and teens better chances of surviving, growing up in good health, and receiving proper nutrition and protection in favorable environments. It will also enable over 4 million children to access quality education, continue their schooling, and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to fully participate in socioeconomic development. Beyond its impact on children, this program is also a concrete tool for the implementation of our national development plan, Chad Connection 2030, and will contribute to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 agenda and its goals four years before the deadline that has been set. The adoption of the cooperation program between Chad and UNICEF 2027-2030 is more than just a programmatic decision. It is a strategic investment into Chad's future. It will allow to transform ambitions into concrete results for populations, giving each child the means to learn, to flourish, and contribute to a more prosperous, resilient, and inclusive country. We therefore express our support for these documents and encourage the Executive Board to adopt them. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Chad and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Mali. Please, you have the floor.

Madam President, members of the Executive Board, Executive Director of UNICEF, ladies and gentlemen, The Government of the Republic of Mali is very much satisfied with our decades-long cooperation with UNICEF. UNICEF is well known and very much appreciated in Mali for its exemplary cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Mali, promoting and protecting children. Despite the complex national and regional context, UNICEF has chosen to remain committed to the Malian people and to help them to overcome the challenges of our time, in particular for children. I welcome this constant commitment of UNICEF and assure you of my government's full cooperation for the effective implementation of the cooperation programme that the executive board is reviewing today. Indeed, the programme for cooperation between the government of Mali and UNICEF for 2027 to 2031 was established jointly following an inclusive and participatory process, including participation from civil society and the private sector. It's therefore fully in harmony with the strategic priorities of our country defined by the Malian government, in particular the Mali 2063 vision and the national strategy for emergence and sustainable development 2024 to 2033. Here I wish to underscore the importance that the government of Mali attaches to the four areas of priority intervention of the new program, which are survival and development to improve maternal and infant health, access to primary health care and treating acute malnutrition. Then the education pillar, the program plans to support equitable access to inclusive high quality education, in particular for children who are not in school or affected by the crises in the regions of the north and centre of Mali. Then thirdly, there is the children's protection pillar, prevention and dealing with violence, exploitation and peace building on a community level. And fourthly, water, hygiene and sanitation. WASH, the programme focuses on developing water, drinking water infrastructure and hygiene in rural areas, schools and healthcare centres. I must add that this programme, in addition to being aligned with our national priorities, in line with the principles of governance and cooperation enshrined in Mali's constitution, respect for sovereignty and the strategic choices of Mali, as well as the interests of the Malian people. It is for all these reasons that I recommend the Executive Board to adopt the new cooperation programme between Mali and UNICEF and to support its effective implementation, in particular by mobilising the technical and financial resources required, given that children remain the primary innocent victims of terrorism and violent extremism in Mali and the Sahel. I thank the partners who are supporting the delivery of UNICEF programmes in Mali. Despite the multiple challenges that my country faces, for our part, the Government of Mali will continue to mobilise domestic resources in order to contribute to the effective implementation of relevant cooperation programmes with UN agencies, in particular UNICEF. I'll conclude in the same way as I began by reiterating the gratitude of the government and people of Mali to UNICEF for its exemplary cooperation in the promotion and protection of children. I pay tribute to UNICEF personnel on the ground for their remarkable work and the commendable results achieved in often difficult conditions. We thank the UNICEF director for West and Central Africa particularly. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Mali, and I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Germany. Please, you have the floor.

Madam President, distinguished members of the executive board, Germany welcomes UNICEF's country program documents for Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali. We commend UNICEF's tireless efforts to reach the most vulnerable, particularly in highly volatile and conflict-affected areas. And we recognize UNICEF's commitment to the humanitarian development peace nexus despite tight fiscal constraints. The Sahel remains a priority region of Germany's foreign and development policy. Our strategic engagement with Sahelian and international partners focuses on stabilization, economic transformation, and food and energy security. In this context, UNICEF has proven to be a trusted and effective partner, making a real difference in the lives of children and their communities. Through multi-sectoral, flexible joint programs, UNICEF is joining forces with various development partners to support millions of children, women, and displaced persons in the fields of food and nutrition, education, wash, and climate resilience. The Sahel Resilience Partnership and the Joint Program on Social Protection implemented in the five Sahel countries, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger by UNICEF, WFP, and other partners with support from Germany demonstrate how joint UN action can link immediate crisis response with medium and long-term pathways to resilient and sustainable development. Let me highlight in this respect also the Berlin Process for Food Security in the Sahel, initiated by Germany, which brings together international development partners, in particular UNICEF, WFP, FAO, and IFAD. The Sahel Resilience Partnership, in particular, shows how complementary mandates and expertise across UN organizations can be brought together in one coherent approach. reducing fragmentation and delivering greater impact for communities. Germany values this model highly and considers it an important example for integrated multilateral cooperation. Given shared challenges and large-scale population movements across the Sahel, Germany welcomes cross-border approaches to tackling development barriers in the region. We are keen to hear how UNICEF intends to ensure coherence and complementary impact across the three CPDs and how they will further strengthen joint programming and operational collaboration with sister UN agencies. I thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Germany. I now give the floor to the Regional Director, West and Central Africa, Mr. Gilles Fangninio. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you, thank you, Madam President, Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the government of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and Mali for their leadership and continued commitment to advancing the rights, the rights and the wellbeing of every child.

The four.

Country program documents presented today reflect strong national ownership and are firmly aligned with national priorities and the UNSDCF. They are the product of rigorous consultation and bold prioritization, focusing resources and partnerships where they can deliver the greatest impact for children at scale. This ambition is evident across the four countries. During my recent mission in Chad, where I'm coming from a couple of days ago, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno emphasized immunization, domestic co-financing, and accelerated action to reach every child, children. This reflect a wider regional imperative, stronger national systems, Greater domestic investments and sustained political leadership are essential to translating commitment into lasting results. I also wish to say my word of gratitude to our public and private sector partners for their support, including the Sahel Resilience Initiative and the ongoing process on food security. The partnership has enabled UNICEF and national counterparts to respond to complex challenges and advance development priorities. This support is more important than ever. Across the region, fiscal pressures are intensifying. Debt service costs are constraining public investments and education, health assistance has declined sharply. At the same time, West and Central Africa stand at a decisive demographic moment with more than 60% of its population under the age of 25. This is not simply a challenge, it is an extraordinary opportunity. Whether this young generation becomes the engine of inclusive growth and stability will depend on the investment we make today. in health, in nutrition, in education, in protection, and skills. As these four countries embark on their new program cycle, sustained government leadership, predictable financing, strong partnership and investment in national systems will be critical. And, Madam President, allow me to.

Here I wish to reiterate once again to the four ambassadors of the four countries that above and beyond our country offices, the regional office and the UNICEF Centre of Excellence are available and will work with you, stand shoulder to shoulder with your countries to implement these four ambitious programmes for better well-being for each and every child in each and every one of your countries and I wish to thank you very much for your leadership. I thank you Madam President.

I thank Mr. Fanyu for his remarks. This concludes our review of the country programme documents for Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad and Mali documents E slash ICEF slash 2026 slash P slash L point 24 to L point 27. In accordance with Executive Board decision 2014/1, may I take it that these country programme documents are approved? I see no objections. It is so decided. I now give the floor to the United States. Please, you have the floor.

The United States appreciated the opportunity to review and provide feedback on country programs. While we note that these country programs are mapped against national development frameworks that are linked to the SDGs, the United States must reiterate that we consider these to be a form of soft global governance and we will not recognize them as a matter of course. We also do not support programming related to DEI or radical gender ideology contained in many of these country programs. Similarly, we stress that the overarching emphasis must remain on keeping UNICEF's interventions focused on and time-bound. It is incumbent that the UN always work towards transitioning these efforts to national actors guided by the receiving government and financed by national public and private sector resources. Finally, going forward, the United States wishes to work collaboratively with the Executive Board and UNICEF leadership to review and adapt the formula by which core funding is allocated for country program documents. Updating this framework will ensure that core resources are allocated transparently, efficiently, and where objective development need is greatest. We look forward to engaging with all partners on this effort. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United States. We, distinguished delegates, the Executive Board will now consider item 4B of the agenda, the extensions of ongoing country programs, document L.28, Rev.1. In accordance with Executive Board decision 2009/11, extensions of ongoing country programs of one year or less approved by the Executive Director, who informs the Board of the approval and the reason for each extension. The Executive Board is thus informed of the first two months' extension of the country programmes for Chile, the Comoros, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Maldives and Peru, and the first one-year extension of the country programmes for Bangladesh, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Togo and Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, all of which were approved by the Executive Director. May I take it that the Executive Board wishes to take note of these extensions that have been approved by the Executive Director as presented in document E slash ICEF slash 2026 slash P slash L point 28. I see no objections. It is so decided. Distinguished delegates, also in accordance with Executive Board decision 2009 slash 11, proposed extensions of country programmes of more than one year or multiple extensions that in aggregate exceed one year are submitted by the Executive Director for approval by the Executive Board on the basis of a short proposal document, including the reasons for the proposal. The Board is requested to approve the two-month extensions of the country programmes for Panama and Tunisia, both following one year extensions, the two-month extensions of the country programmes for the Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen, both following two consecutive one year extensions, the two-month extension of the country programme for the Congo following a two year extension, the additional one year extension of the country programme for Libya following a previous one year extension, and the additional one year extension of the country programme for Myanmar following four consecutive one year extensions. May I take it that the Executive Board wishes to approve these extensions? as presented in document E slash ICF slash 2026 slash P slash L point 28 rev one. I see no objections. It is so decided. This concludes our consideration of item 4B of the agenda. Distinguished delegates, we will now turn our attention to the final sub-item under UNICEF programme cooperation, item 4C, the global and regional programme document 2026 to 2029. The UNICEF global and regional programme 2026-2029 is an integral component of the UNICEF strategic plan for the same years. Its budget was approved by the Executive Board in the integrated resource plan of the UNICEF integrated budget for 2026 to 2029. This programme document provides the programmatic framework, results structure and accountability arrangements for the implementation of those resources. I kindly invite Ms. Regina de Dominici, Director, Office of Strategy and Evidence, Innocenti, to present the report. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam President, distinguished member of the Executive Board. It is my pleasure to present the UNICEF Global and Regional Program for 2026-2029. As mentioned by Madam President, the resources underpinning the global and regional program have already been approved by the executive board through the integrated resource plan of the UNICEF integrated budget 2026-2029. The program document before the board sets out the corresponding programmatic framework, results structure, and accountability arrangement for the implementation of those resources in line with the strategic plan. This comes at an important moment for UNICEF. The past year has been one of significant organizational transformation shaped by severe fiscal constraints and implementation of the Future Focus Initiative. With the major element of that initiative now implemented, the global and regional program helps to provide greater transparency and visibility to the executive board on how UNICEF will translate its global and regional capacity into resources for children over the strategic plan period. The program brings together several mutual reinforcing dimension of UNICEF global and regional work. and these in both humanitarian and development context. First, its strengths and policy and technical leadership in support of high quality multi-sectoral programming. UNICEF Center of Excellence anchor this technical leadership, providing high quality expertise and assistance that respond to country demand. Second, The GRP, as we call it, the Global Regional Program, reinforces UNICEF convening power and global reach to advance advocacy and social and behavior change approaches, the strength and demand, trust, accountability, and the uptake of essential services for children. Third, the program supports the generation and dissemination of evidence tools and global goods that strengthen program quality, inform decision making, and reinforce accountability. And fourth, it leverages strategic partnership to accelerate results for children. These include partnership with international financial institution, regional institution such as the African Union and the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mechanism such as the Child Nutrition Fund, and partners across the United Nations development system. Through this function, the Global and Regional Program contributes directly to the achievement of the five impact results of the strategic plan and three of its accelerator. Finally, the Global and Regional Program also provides an important framework for UNICEF engagement in country where we don't have country program. allowing us to adopt operational modalities of engagement that are adapted to different contexts and consistent with universality principle inherent in the convention of the right of the child and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. We all know that inequities affecting children exist in every country, and the executive board has already recognized UNICEF engagement with high-income country as part of its universal child rights mandate. In decision 2016-11, the board invited UNICEF to apply the most appropriate modality for such engagement, including through the global and regional program. This global and regional program provides a flexible and efficient governance framework to set up this engagement. It maintains executive board oversight through the strategic plan and UNICEF established reporting architecture while enabling approaches that are more agile and responsive to country context. The objective is to leverage UNICEF mandate, expertise, and partnership to advance children rights inside the countries while maximizing opportunity for public and private resource mobilization and strengthening UNICEF influence for children globally. Engagement with these high-income countries will be formalized through framework agreement. And it is important to note, this will not entail the use of UNICEF regular resources, but activities are expected to be fully funded through contribution from host countries and domestically mobilized non-ODA resources. This approach is consistent with the executive board guidance and with the principle that UNICEF engagement in high-income countries should contribute not only to results for children within those countries, but also to stronger results for children globally, particularly in least developed countries and in fragile and humanitarian context. Ladies and gentlemen, in summary, the GRP strengthens technical leadership, evidence, advocacy and partnership complements country program and enables UNICEF to fulfill its universal mandate in a manner that is strategic, accountable and responsive to changing context. Ultimately, its purpose is straightforward to ensure that UNICEF global and regional capability are fully leveraged to accelerate sustainable results for children wherever they live. Thank you, Madam President. I refer to you.

I thank Ms. de Dominici for her remarks. And now open the floor for discussion. I first give the floor to the distinguished delegate of Oman. You have the floor, ma'am.

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of my country, the Sultan of Oman. The Sultan of Oman appreciates the development of UNICEF global and regional program document GRP 2026-2029, which supports the achievement of the five impact results of the UNICEF strategic plan 2026-2029, and is anchored in a commitment to leave no child hand through policy and technical advice, advocacy, evidence, global public goods and partnerships. It also advances the goals of the plan. It provides the programmatic framework, results structure and accountability arrangements for the implementation of approved resources at the global and regional levels in high income countries where UNICEF does not have country program documents, CBTs. In addition to that, there are also some emerging opportunities that can accelerate the progress for children. Digital transformation, responsible artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, geospatial analysis, early warning systems, and frontier innovation are creating new ways to expand access to learning, health, social protection, and child protection services. They can also improve the targeting and timelines of humanitarian and development responses, and strengthen evidence-informed decision-making. Madam President, the role of the GRP is very vital in providing policy and technical advice to support comprehensive, multi-sectoral approaches across development and humanitarian contexts, including through resilient primary healthcare, food, education, water, sanitation, hygiene wash, child protection, and social protection systems. Madam President, the Sultanate of Oman would like to encourage UNICEF country offices on the importance of having an in-depth situation analysis, clear and innovative frameworks for GRP to ensure the quality of deliverables for child rights are advanced and sustained. I thank you.

Thank the distinguished delegate of Oman. And I'll next give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam President, distinguished colleagues. My delegation welcomes the global and regional program for 2026, 2029, and recognizes the important role of global and regional cooperation in advancing the right of children. However, we believe that protecting and supporting children living through conflict must be more firmly reflected in global programming. Our country has recently witnessed the tragic consequences of two unprovoked wars since last year. Hundreds of children have been killed, injured, displaced, and deprived of education, health services, and basic security as a result of the heinous war crimes of the U.S. and Israeli regime against the people and land of Iran. These children must not become statistics in global reports. Their experiences should shape the priorities of the international child protection system. We therefore expect the global and regional program to strengthen UNICEF's ability to identify and respond to serious violations against children, including in situations like Minab School, where 168 school children lost all their dreams through a deliberate series of airstrikes and multiple bombings in a genocidal attempt, which is to be sufficiently documented by UNICEF. UNICEF should use all its capacities more effectively to protect the lives of children. When children are killed or subject to grave violations, silence cannot be treated as neutrality. A child rights organization must be prepared to condemn violations clearly, advocate for compliance with international law, and keep the protection of children as a central of international attention. We encourage strong original mechanisms for early warning, preparedness, child protection, and emergency response, particularly for countries vulnerable to conflict and sudden humanitarian shocks. At the same time, global and regional programs should support national capacities for recovery. This includes restoring education and health systems, strengthening psychosocial services, improving child protection systems, and helping affected population rebuild resilience. We also expect UNICEF to cooperate with relevant United Nations and other international accountability mechanisms so that evidence concerning violations against children can contribute to efforts for truth, accountability, and appropriate remedies. The global and regional program should therefore be more than a framework for technical cooperation. It should be a stronger instrument for protecting children when the international legal and humanitarian order is under pressure. My delegation requests that the statements of the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran during the second regular session of the UNICEF in 2026 be duly reflected in the reports of the meeting. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran. And I now give the floor to the United States.

The United States wishes to register objection for the record and associates from the global and regional program of 2026 and 2029. As we emphasized when we voted against the UNICEF strategic plan, the US does not support DEI standards, radical gender ideology, including gender equity benchmarks and gender responsive education in UNICEF plans and programs. We view the inclusions of these concepts as harmful, both to children and to UNICEF's mandate. Secondly, they redirect limited institutional attention and resources away from the core work of protecting child survival, health and nutrition, and towards contested social frameworks that do not serve the interests of the children UNICEF exists to protect. As previously stated, when this body addresses UNICEF's strategic plan for 26 to 29, The US does not and will not support the incorporation of elements in its work that distracts from the organization's core mandate that in any way threaten the health, safety, and well-being of children around the world. We deeply regret that the global and regional program for 26 to 29 presented to the board does exactly this by once again attempting to anchor UNICEF's work and concepts like the 2030 agenda, SDG targets, DEI standards and gender equity benchmarks, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. This SRHR is not a neutral or subtle term. It is a framework that does not distinguish between abortion in cases of medical necessity and abortion sought without restriction as to reason or gestational stage, including latent pregnancy. The United States does not accept this as a term and obscures this important distinction, and we will continue to object to it as a use, as a vehicle for normalizing unrestricted abortion access under the language of healthcare for women and girls. The U.S. is proud of its support for children, and once again, we must reiterate that we are here to engage at the UNICEF Executive Board, and this is not the forum to raise extraneous politicized topics. Doing so will only distract from this group's important work. The United States is in ongoing international armed conflict with Iran. And in the context of this conflict, and based on our inherent right of individual and collective self-defense, the United States conducted operations to protect the American people, U.S. forces, and partners against threats posed by a regime that has for decades undermined U.S. and international security. Our actions have been directed at military and strategic assets tied to specific threats. The U.S. continues to take seriously and observe fully its obligations to avoid targeting civilians and civilian objects in Iran, including technical personnel and facilities that are entitled to such protections under the law of war. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the United States. And I give the floor to the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the.

Floor. Madam President, the hollow and accusatory statement we have just heard from the United States is not only baseless, but it is separate attempt to deflection and diversion from their own savage crimes. They cannot conceal the reality of child killing with lies. Let us be unequivocal. Our previous statement represented only a minuscule fraction of the colossal atrocities resulting from the unprovoked and unlawful aggression of these two regimes against humanity. We reference the 168 martyred children in Minab. This number is merely one example of the thousands of war crimes committed by this axis of evil. It is profoundly regrettable that even the legislative bodies within the United States have yet to receive a single clear answer from the perpetrators of this massacre against innocent children. Their silence in the face of this catastrophe is effectively complicity in the crime. However, these atrocities do not end with me now. We are vigorously pursuing legal cases regarding the martyrdom of approximately 40 other Iranian children in the unlawful airstrikes of June 2025, as well as numerous other loved ones lost in deliberate attacks, including those martyred at a sports hall in the city of Lamerd, or more recently, last week at the marriage ceremony earlier this year earlier at the marriage ceremony in the city of Zurich. These files will never be archived. This will be relentlessly pursued through international legal channels until justice is served. Furthermore, the performance and accountability of UNICEF during the 12-day war of 2025 must undergo a fully transparent evaluation, we expect UNICEF to answer for its action or its failure to act during both past and present critical days. Moreover, accountability regarding the actions taken in response to the US Israeli war crimes in 2026 remains firmly expected. The international community must not allow these regimes to evade their legal and moral responsibilities through lies and deflection. We will use every opportunity to expose the true face of these criminals and will spare no effort in securing the rights of the oppressed children of Iran. The truth is clear and the awakened conscience of history will render the final judgment. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished delegate of Iran. There are no other requests for the floor, so I would like to invite the Secretariat to respond to these comments. Ms. Dominici first, please.

Thank you. Distinguished delegate of Oman, thank you for your statement and for reminding us of the importance of linking the GRP to country program situation analysis. In fact, this is foreseen and is also foreseen to have a regional sectoral assessment and strategic foresight analysis that will help exactly to sharpen the programmatic focus of our intervention. More broadly, I would like to mention that the scale of suffering endured by children around the world in conflict and in war It will also be, in a way, tackled through the GRP because we will try to strengthen our ability to respond, but also our early warning system. And through the component that we have mentioned, we will also increase child protection for children in armed conflict. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you. Madam President, as both Director de Dominici as well as the board document on the GRP have indicated, the GRP supports all of the goals and objectives of the strategic plan, including its work on advocacy and on child protection. This includes the work we do on children affected by armed conflict, as well as work on ending violence against children, and work on juvenile justice and detention. Silence is indeed not an option when children are killed or subject to grave violations, which is why UNICEF has consistently spoken out when children have been killed or been subject to grave violations in Iran, in the State of Palestine, in Lebanon, in Kuwait, in Israel, and in many other parts of the world. Because every child counts. As the Executive Director said in the opening segment of this Board, children are the first to pay a price when war breaks out. And that's why wars must end, and there needs to be peaceful means forward to address differences of views and conflict. A key role that UNICEF plays, including through the GRP, is to support recovery, including the mental health and psychosocial needs of children, and we will continue to do so. In terms of follow-up to issues related to grave violations, including killing and maiming, there's an established approach in the UN to do so with the special representative of the Secretary General for Children in Armed Conflict recommending which situations should be considered. And as part of the country team in different countries, UNICEF has its own responsibility, which we take forward, including on monitoring grave violations and supporting children in these situations of conflict. And we will continue to assume our responsibility. Thank you.

I thank the Secretariat for their remarks. This concludes our review. Sorry, the Islamic Republic of Iran has asked the floor, please.

Thank you, Madam President. Just very brief, my delegation takes note of the response by the distinguished Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF. However, our concern remains. UNICEF has a professional and a special responsibility to document and speak clearly about violations against children, wherever they occur, without selectivity. The scale of the killing of children in Iran during the past years was extraordinary and should have received due attention in the UNICEF remarks. The deliberate killing of children cannot be reduced to a general reference to civilian casualties or to the consequences of a conflict. Children were killed in their homes, schools, and other places where they should have been safe. Such cases require clear condemnation and appropriate attention from UNICEF. We therefore expect UNICEF to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and consistency in addressing grave violations against children, regardless of where they occur or who is responsible. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran. this concludes our review of the global and regional programme document 2026 to 2029 document eicef202628 may i take it that the document is approved i see no objections it is so decided distinguished delegates Let me just note, as you have seen, that the Executive Director unfortunately had to leave early to attend to an urgent matter, but we will make sure to relay all the gratitude and remarks that have been directed to her here today. And before we adjourn for lunch and for the day, may I ask our Secretary of the Executive Board, Mr. Andres Franco, if he would like to make any statements or announcements? Mr. Secretary.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. Two announcements. One, the informal consultations on the draft decisions will continue at 2 p.m.

To 6 p.m. here in conference room one.

And as I've said before, if we need more time, we can go to the Maurice Pate in the UNICEF house. But Grete, the facilitator, will make sure that you have information on that. The other announcement, which is small but big, is that tomorrow we have the special focus session. So we have a number of panelists and guests, and so the seating arrangements will be changed. So please don't panic. You know, I know what it feels when you don't find your place, where do I sit? So they will be changed. We will have the map of the seating arrangements for the morning next to the door, and my team will be ready to assist you if you don't find your place. And then after the morning session, in the afternoon, they will go back to where they are right now. So just to make sure that when you come to the room, you don't ask me what happened here, this is what will happen.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I thank the Secretary for his announcement, keeping us on our toes. This is the end of the morning session. Thank you. Meeting's adjourned.