Australia’s National Intervention to the Executive Director Agenda
Statement by H.E Mr. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
1 September 2026
Thank you, President, and of course I thank the Executive Director and your team for today’s engagement. It’s much appreciated.
As you know, Australia values UNICEF's vital role in supporting children across both humanitarian and development settings.
We thank UNICEF for its rapid response to multiple humanitarian crises, for helping restore essential services, and providing critical support to children and families affected by conflict, disasters, and other emergencies.
The work is only possible because of the dedication and courage of humanitarian personnel who operate in some of 1 the world's most challenging and dangerous environments to support children and families in need.
And Australia urges all States to take action on the commitments under the Australian-led Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, and we encourage those States who have not yet endorsed the Declaration to consider doing so.
President, today Australia wishes to focus on three broad areas First, Australia recognises UNICEF for its leadership on integrated supply chains and welcomes the early cost savings achieved to date. We encourage UNICEF and partner agencies to build on this momentum and strengthen coordination across all UN 80 Work Packages.
Before integrated supply chains under the new Humanitarian Compact expand into broader operations, Australia expects consideration of costs, timeliness, duplication, and sustainability as part of a value for money approach to evaluation of the pilots.
Second, Australia welcomes the progress made on the Future Focus Initiative. As UNICEF expands its network of Multi-Country Offices, could the Executive Director outline what additional ongoing support will be provided to MCOs to ensure they can effectively deliver across increasingly complex operating environments?
Third, Australia commends UNICEF's efforts to navigate a challenging funding environment while sustaining critical support for children.
We recognise that flexible funding is often critical to supporting less visible but essential work at the country level, including systems strengthening and preparedness. We see merit in proposals that would increase minimum allocations of core resources to country programs. Could UNICEF outline how, if this were to be approved, Multi Country Offices, or MCOs would be treated?
Thank you.