UNICEF Executive Board

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The Executive Board is the governing body of UNICEF, providing intergovernmental support and oversight to the organization, in accordance with the overall policy guidance of the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.

Comprising 36 members, representing the five regional groups of Member States at the United Nations, the Executive Board reviews UNICEF activities and approves its policies, country programmes and budgets. Its work is coordinated by the Bureau, comprising the President and four Vice-Presidents, each officer representing one of the five regional groups.

The Office of the Secretary of the Executive Board supports and services the Executive Board. It is responsible for maintaining an effective relationship between the Executive Board and the UNICEF secretariat.

The Executive Board’s annual term is identical to a calendar year, running from 1 January to 31 December. The Executive Board meets three times each year, in a first regular session (January/February), annual session (May/June) and second regular session (September). Executive Board sessions are held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Functions of the UNICEF Executive Board

UNICEF reports through its Executive Board to the United Nations General Assembly and to the Economic and Social Council. The Executive Board, like the governing bodies of other United Nations funds and programmes, is subject to the authority of the Economic and Social Council, which elects the members of the Executive Board from Member States of the United Nations. Its role is to:

• Ensure that the activities and operational strategies of UNICEF are consistent with the overall policy guidance set forth by the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council;
• Receive information from and give guidance to the Executive Director on the work of UNICEF;
• Monitor the performance of UNICEF;
• Approve UNICEF programmes, including country programmes;
• Decide on administrative and financial plans and budgets for UNICEF;
• Recommend new UNICEF initiatives to the Economic and Social Council and to the General Assembly, as necessary;
• Encourage and examine new UNICEF programme initiatives.

The Executive Board also plays a role in the appointment of the UNICEF Executive Director, who is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General in consultation with the Executive Board.