Oman Reaffirms Commitment to UNICEF and Global Child Protection at UN Headquarters
The Sultanate of Oman made an announcement that it will continue to partner with UNICEF and other international bodies towards ensuring the creation of a sustainable and equitable future for all children in the world. The above statement was delivered by Mr Omar bin Said Al Kathiri, the Sultanate of Oman’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The speech was made in one of the regular sessions of the UNICEF Executive Board for 2026 held at the United Nations’ headquarters in New York.
In his remarks, Ambassador Al Kathiri thanked the Republic of Estonia for leading the UNICEF Executive Board during 2026. The Sultanate also praised the UNICEF Executive Director and the UNICEF field staff for their commitment to defending children’s basic rights and for boosting youth health and happiness, especially as global humanitarian emergencies, wars and other challenges grow.
The address carried heightened diplomatic significance, as it marked the conclusion of Oman’s tenure on the governing body. Ambassador Al Kathiri noted that the session represented the final meeting in which the Sultanate actively participated as an elected member of the UNICEF Executive Board and as Vice-President representing the Asia-Pacific regional group for 2026. Oman expressed immense pride in the confidence placed in its diplomatic delegation by member states, emphasising that its leadership role provided vital opportunities to strengthen international consensus, champion constructive multilateral dialogue, and advance child protection frameworks globally.
Oman highlighted its strategic national initiatives aligned with broad international child welfare standards. Through its active involvement, Muscat has consistently prioritised early childhood development, inclusive educational access, and enhanced social protection mechanisms designed to shield vulnerable populations. The Sultanate stressed the urgent necessity of expanding international partnerships to protect children in conflict zones, calling on the global community to ensure compliance with humanitarian mandates, secure basic resource allocations, and guarantee essential healthcare and safety protections for youth in hardship areas.
Concluding the address, the Omani delegation reiterated that safeguarding children’s futures remains a shared global obligation. As Oman completes its executive term, the Sultanate emphasises its intention to remain a committed advocate for children’s rights globally, working alongside UN agencies and sovereign nations to build sustainable, protective environments for upcoming generations. Oman Economic Times
