UNICEF Executive Board Approves Sultanate of Oman’s 2026-2030 Country Programme; Minister of Social Development Addresses Session

Muscat, 4 September 2025 – On 3 September 2025, UNICEF presented Oman’s new 2026-2030 Country Programme Document (CPD) to the Second Regular Session of the UNICEF Executive Board in New York, marking the conclusion of the current programme which has been ongoing since 2022.  

Developed over the last year through a broad participatory process involving government agencies, civil society, and other partners, the new country programme focuses on key windows of opportunity across a child’s lifetime. Activities and results are focused on two main life stages: “early childhood”, ensuring expanding access to quality early learning and services; and “the adolescent years”, with an emphasis on strengthening opportunities for education, skills development and meaningful participation. Social inclusion and child protection are cross-cutting themes ensuring equitable access to services and safety from harm for the most vulnerable children throughout their lifetime. With its formal submission to the UNICEF Executive Board, the 2026-2030 CPD received full approval without objection, marking a strong endorsement of UNICEF Oman’s priorities and strategic direction for the next four years.  

This milestone was further marked by the engagement of the Sultanate of Oman at the Executive Board. Her Excellency Dr. Laila bin Ahmed Al-Najjar, Minister of Social Development, participated virtually in the UNICEF Executive Board meeting where Her Excellency delivered a statement highlighting the Sultanate’s commitment to advancing children’s rights nationally. The statement further reflected on shared regional priorities for the Middle East and North Africa region, including supporting parents and caregivers, protecting children in the digital world, and safeguarding children in armed conflict. “Only through sustained investment in policies, programmes and peace can we create safe, supportive and nurturing environments for children,” said HE Dr. Laila Al-Najjar in the address. 

Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals, and international conventions, the new 2026-2030 CPD outlines change strategies including policy advice, behaviour change, and evidence generation.  UNICEF Oman will proceed with developing rolling work plans with relevant stakeholders to put the CPD into action, building on the Sultanate of Oman’s strong track record in child rights – from ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1996 to enacting the 2014 Child Law, and most recently introducing universal child benefits under the 2023 Social Protection Law.  

“The partnership between UNICEF and the Sultanate of Oman is grounded in a shared belief that investing in children is investing in the nation’s future,” said HE Sumaira Chowdhury, UNICEF Representative to the Sultanate of Oman. “This CPD, aligned with Oman Vision 2040, provides a practical framework to accelerate results for children across the country, ensuring that no child is left behind.” 

The new five-year country programme will begin implementation in 2026. With this new programme, the Sultanate of Oman and UNICEF reaffirm their commitment to a future where every child is safe, included and empowered.