Statement by H.E. Anna Jóhannsdóttir,
Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations,
UNICEF Executive Board
First Regular Session
10 February 2026

Mr. President,

Thank you for giving me the floor.

Madam Executive Director,

Let me begin by expressing Iceland’s appreciation to UNICEF for its unwavering commitment to the rights and well-being of children in an increasingly complex and challenging global environment that is putting children at unprecedented risk. 

We acknowledge UNICEF’s critical role in humanitarian crises and extend our thanks to UNICEF staff operating in some of the world’s most fragile settings. They deliver life-saving assistance to children and their families, such as access to safe water and sanitation facilities – necessary basic services to keep children alive. We also recognise the important part UNICEF plays in linking humanitarian response to recovery and longer-term development.

Iceland values the focus that UNICEF places on protecting and promoting the rights of adolescent girls. We recognise how crucial this is to achieve the objectives of the Strategic Plan. Advancing gender equality is an effective strategy for transforming societies and promoting equity. It also strengthens economies and reduces poverty, delivering results for all children.

At the same time, we are greatly concerned by the increasingly challenging funding outlook facing UNICEF and the wider UN development system. Iceland remains committed to providing predictable and flexible funding. This includes core contributions and thematic funding, such as to the Gender Thematic Fund, that we have seen yield great results. We encourage continued efforts to broaden and diversify the funding base. This may include using innovative financing mechanisms and new partnerships, while safeguarding UNICEF’s core mandate. 

Madam Executive Director,

Iceland supports the ongoing UN80 reform agenda and appreciates the information provided by UNICEF on the process so far and we hope to continue the engagement on the matter. We recognise that the UN80 process is an opportunity for UNICEF to shape the future operating model of the UN system, including strengthened country-level configuration and coordination. It can also strengthen its own ability to deliver for children at scale. 

We acknowledge the efforts of UNICEF through the Future Focus Initiative that will align the organization to deliver on the ambitious commitments outlined in the new Strategic Plan. Both processes are essential to ensure that limited resources are used strategically and deliver tangible outcomes. We would, however, appreciate more information on the interlinkages between these different initiatives and how the agency is ensuring that they are mutually reinforcing. 

In closing, allow me to reaffirm Iceland’s commitment to its partnership with UNICEF. We stand ready to continue working with you to ensure children’s rights and that every child can thrive and realize their full potential.

I thank you.