UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell Highlights Urgent Challenges and Priorities for Children at 2026 Executive Board Session.
Focus on humanitarian crises, child survival, and organizational reforms amid shrinking resources.
New York:
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell delivered a comprehensive address at the first regular session of the UNICEF Executive Board, emphasizing the urgent challenges facing children worldwide and outlining the agency’s strategic priorities for 2026.
Speaking to board members and delegates, Russell highlighted the unprecedented complexity of the global environment, including escalating conflicts, climate shocks, economic instability, and rising inequalities, which are placing extraordinary pressure on children, families, and communities.
“Together we must ensure that UNICEF remains effective, trusted, and focused on delivering results for children, particularly those living in the most fragile and crisis-affected settings,” Russell said. She stressed that 2025 marked one of the most severe humanitarian years on record, with more than 200 million children in over 130 countries requiring humanitarian assistance.
Humanitarian Crisis and Child Survival
Russell warned that despite decades of progress in child survival, 2025 could be the first year this century in which child deaths increased, reversing generations of gains. She also noted alarming levels of malnutrition, famine, and grave violations against children, including killings, abductions, and sexual violence.
In response, UNICEF is sharpening its humanitarian focus by prioritizing the most vulnerable children, investing in preparedness and anticipatory action, and strengthening systems that protect children before crises escalate. Russell emphasized the importance of flexible funding, noting that abrupt cuts are forcing “impossible choices” about which lives and services to prioritize.
Strategic Initiatives and Centres of Excellence
Russell highlighted UNICEF’s new Centre of Excellence in Nairobi, which consolidates technical expertise in health, nutrition, and WASH to tackle child and maternal mortality. She also outlined the agency’s broader Strategic Plan, which focuses on five impact areas: health and nutrition, education, child protection, safe water and sanitation, and social policy supporting children.
The Executive Director detailed organizational reforms aimed at increasing efficiency and effectiveness, including scaling the Global Shared Services Centre model to free up capacity in country offices and advancing UN80 reforms in alignment with broader UN priorities.
Partnerships and Accountability
Russell praised governments and National Committees that maintained or increased contributions amid fiscal pressures, highlighting efforts by Japan, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Spain, and France. She underscored UNICEF’s commitment to accountability and continuous learning, noting that the Board would review country programme documents and evaluations, including those focused on early childhood development and education.
“Delivering for every child means finding ways to leverage our capacity to do more with what we have,” Russell said. She concluded by reaffirming UNICEF’s dedication to reaching the most vulnerable children, including girls and children with disabilities, emphasizing that every decision on funding, reform, and partnership shapes what is possible for children globally.
“Thank you for your partnership, your leadership, and your continued commitment to the world’s children,” Russell said.
This session marks a critical moment for UNICEF as it navigates shrinking resources, growing humanitarian demands, and the need for innovative partnerships to safeguard the rights and well-being of children worldwide.
