Children’s engagement at the UNICEF Executive Board
Strengthening accountability, enhancing discussions and reinforcing the commitment to governance
The inclusion of children in UNICEF Executive Board proceedings reflects a commitment to child participation as an integral part of the Board’s core governance mandate and in alignment with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Bringing children’s perspectives into the Board’s deliberations recognizes children as rights holders and affirms their right to be heard and to have their views given due consideration in decisions that affect them. Embedding child participation within Executive Board sessions helps to ensure that oversight and decision-making by the Board – and by UNICEF – are informed by the lived experiences of children.
This approach also reflects how UNICEF works at country level, where the participation of children and young people is embedded across programmes, policies and advocacy efforts. The voices shared with the Board bring forward children’s views, priorities and needs, as well as the actions they are already taking in their communities to advance child rights. Systematically engaging children strengthens accountability, enhances the quality and relevance of the Board’s deliberations and reinforces UNICEF commitment to governance that is informed by those it exists to serve.
“I imagine a world in which no girl has to fear going to school and can be a leader safely. Girls are not only beneficiaries, they are leaders in peace-building, they are innovative, and they are agents of change. Listening to us means transforming our territories, our communities and the entire world.”
Maju from Colombia, member of the UNICEF Global Girl Leaders Advisory Group
During its annual session of 2026, Maju from Colombia, a member of the UNICEF Global Girl Leaders Advisory Group (GGLAG), addressed the Executive Board during the discussion of the Annual report on the implementation of the UNICEF Gender Action Plan, 2022–2025.
Reflecting on her experience growing up in a rural community affected by armed conflict, Maju spoke about the barriers many girls continue to face, including insecurity, lack of access to safe water and menstrual health support, discrimination, and limited opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives. She highlighted that, for many adolescent girls, speaking up for their communities can carry significant risks.
Maju also shared a message of hope, explaining how the support of her family, community and UNICEF had enabled her to develop as a leader and to connect with girls from around the world through the GGLAG. She called on UNICEF and Member States to strengthen safe, inclusive and meaningful participation mechanisms for girls, particularly those living in rural, Indigenous and conflict-affected communities.
"I would ask all of the Governments of the world, especially Latin America and the future Governments of my country, Peru, to support such social programmes and initiatives so that they can really improve the lives of the children and families who live in very remote areas… The development of a country depends on the development of children and childhood."
Merlyn, a beneficiary of the Juntos programme in Peru
Merlyn, a boy from Peru, addressed the Executive Board at its annual session of 2026 during the discussion of the impact evaluation of early childhood cash transfers in the Juntos programme in his country. Drawing on his own experience growing up in a rural community, he shared how the programme had shaped his development, from early childhood through adolescence, by supporting his family’s access to health services, education and financial support.
Merlyn described how these investments enabled him to grow up healthy, attend a high-performing secondary school and later pursue engineering studies, opportunities that are uncommon for many young people from remote regions. He emphasized that programmes like Juntos can help children and young people to overcome barriers linked to poverty and geography while creating pathways to education and opportunity.
He concluded by reminding Member States that a country’s development begins with investing in childhood and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“I urge UNICEF and its partners to do more on disability inclusion and prioritize inclusive education, accessible healthcare, awareness campaigns, financial support and inclusive policymaking.”
Taqwa, UNICEF Youth Advocate from Pakistan
During the first regular session of the UNICEF Executive Board in February 2025, as part of the briefing on the progress made towards the first UNICEF Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy, 2022–2030, Taqwa, a UNICEF Youth Advocate from Pakistan, delivered a powerful message to the Member States:
“I am here today to demand change,” she said. “I urge UNICEF and its partners to do more on disability inclusion and prioritize inclusive education, accessible healthcare, awareness campaigns, financial support and inclusive policymaking. Provide us with opportunities to learn through digital technology, empowering us to become financially independent. Ensure resources reach those who need them the most.”
“By supporting youth-led climate initiatives and fostering collaboration between Governments, organizations and communities, we can develop sustainable solutions that ensure every child not only survives but thrives."
Madina, UNICEF Youth Advocate and Executive Director of the Madina Climatic Organization from the United Republic of Tanzania
In September 2025, Madina, UNICEF Youth Advocate and Executive Director of the Madina Climatic Organization from the United Republic of Tanzania, participated in a special focus session on water and sanitation. She highlighted the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene services that respond to children’s realities and the value of children’s participation in shaping sustainable water and sanitation solutions. “By supporting youth-led climate initiatives and fostering collaboration between Governments, organizations and communities, we can develop sustainable solutions that ensure every child not only survives but thrives. Let me conclude by urging us all not just to imagine that future. Let's build it together.
When you invest in children and youth, you're not just funding programmes; you're fuelling possibility, resilience and the unstoppable force of change.” Madina concluded.
"I think that if we continue, if we take advantage of this pace, of this rhythm, in which we are advancing for children’s rights and climate change, we can improve a lot the quality of life of children in the context in which they are living.”
Francisco, UNICEF Youth Advocate for Latin America
In September 2024, the UNICEF Executive Board hosted its first special focus session on climate change and children, creating space for children to share their perspectives on an issue that is reshaping their lives and their futures. The session highlighted that while climate change is accelerating, children’s specific needs, priorities and rights are still too often absent from climate policy, action and investment.
Francisco, UNICEF Youth Advocate for Latin America and Adia, Climate Activist representing the Caribbean, both made passionate remarks about the critical importance of children being at the forefront of the dialogues and initiatives surrounding the climate crisis and the need for them to be included, supported and empowered.
"And here we are, in the first special session in the history of the Executive Board of UNICEF talking about climate and children. I think that if we continue, if we take advantage of this pace, of this rhythm, in which we are advancing for children’s rights and climate change, we can improve a lot the quality of life of children in the context in which they are living,” said Francisco.