Joint statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations,
on behalf of the UNICEF Executive Board
(Estonia, Iceland, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, Oman)

UNICEF Executive Board First Regular Session
10 February 2026




Executive Director,

Distinguished colleagues,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Bureau of the UNICEF Executive Board.

As we open the first regular session of 2026, we do so at a moment of both reflection and responsibility for the United Nations system and for UNICEF. This year’s deliberations take place against the backdrop of the UN80 process, ongoing reform efforts, and a global environment marked by protracted conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate-related shocks, and growing inequalities that continue to disproportionately affect children.

UNICEF today operates in some of the most challenging contexts in the world — from active conflict zones and fragile states to regions facing recurrent natural disasters and severe economic stress. In many of these settings, UNICEF staff and partners deliver life-saving services under extremely difficult conditions. The Bureau wishes to acknowledge and commend their dedication, professionalism and resilience in ensuring that children’s rights, protection and well-being remain at the centre of the international community’s efforts.

For UNICEF, 2026 is a particularly significant year. The organization is implementing its Strategic Plan while adapting to organizational changes, evolving operational demands and a constrained and uncertain funding landscape. In this context, the Bureau underscores the importance of maintaining a clear focus on UNICEF’s core mandate, grounded in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and of prioritising impact for the most vulnerable children.

We attach particular importance to the UN80 process as an opportunity to strengthen the effectiveness, coherence and accountability of the United Nations system as a whole. For UNICEF, this means continuing to adapt its structures and ways of working, reinforcing cooperation across the UN system, and ensuring that reform efforts translate into tangible improvements at country level. Efficiency gains and organizational adjustments must ultimately serve one purpose: delivering better results for children.

The Bureau also stresses the value of constructive, inclusive and consensus-based engagement within the Executive Board. The Board plays a critical role in providing strategic guidance, oversight and support to UNICEF, while respecting the organization’s technical and humanitarian mandate. We encourage all members to approach discussions in a spirit of cooperation, keeping children’s needs at the forefront and avoiding the politicisation of issues that are fundamentally about child survival, development and dignity.

In closing, the Bureau reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Executive Director and the Secretariat in ensuring a smooth, effective and forward-looking Executive Board process throughout the year. We look forward to working closely with all delegations to advance UNICEF’s mission and to strengthen the organization’s capacity to deliver for children everywhere.

Thank you