National Statement delivered by H.E. Nicola Clase, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the UNICEF Executive Board First regular session 2026, 10 February 2026
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Mr/Madam President,
We are very pleased with the new Strategic Plan as it provides a strong basis for UNICEF’s work. But we must all be aware that its implementation takes place in a challenging context not least as regards funding. This requires setting firm priorities, and finding ways of increasing cost efficiency and effectiveness, and efforts to secure new and diversified sources of financing.
In a world torn by conflict. UNICEF stands with children when systems collapse and violence shatters everyday life. Through protection, education, health and humanitarian aid, UNICEF ensures that children are not forgotten in crises – and that recovery includes them.
The push-back on human rights is a strong concern. UNICEF has an essential normative role to play in this regard – in partner countries and in multilateral fora.
Sweden welcomes the focus on girls in all the areas of impact of the strategic plan. We would especially like to emphasise the issue of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Sweden strongly supports the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative and expects UNICEF to engage fully, with a clear focus on improved delivery at country level.
As new initiatives are introduced and developed, the pace of implementation of previously agreed measures must accelerate. This includes measures such as the UN Country Team reconfiguration and the establishment of common back offices. We expect more decisive progress as well as continued, clear updates on the actions undertaken.
In December last year, Sweden and UNICEF signed a multi-year agreement amounting to approximately 85 million USD annually for the next three years. Sweden maintains a high level of funding for UNICEF’s core resources, in line with the Funding Compact. We encourage UNICEF to explore ways of further incentivising core support from donors.
In addition to the core resources agreement, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida, continues to provide extensive support for UNICEF’s development and humanitarian work, including several thematic funds and flexible country programme support in several countries.
The support reflects our trust in UNICEF and our high expectations that the funding will translate into clear and measurable results at country level. Transparency, sound risk management and accountability must remain key priorities.
Sweden continues to support UNICEF’s Global Office of Innovation in Stockholm. The strengthening of innovation – in close partnership with the private sector – is key for delivering stronger impact.
In closing, we would like to express our great appreciation to UNICEF staff’s dedicated efforts and steadfast commitment, also during times of challenging adjustment, to promoting and protecting children’s rights.
Thank you.
