AUSTRALIAN INTERVENTION | UNICEF EXECUTIVE BOARD
Agenda Item 2: Opening statements by the President of the Executive Board and the Executive Director of UNICEF
Intervention by H.E. Mr. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
Thank you, President, and thank you Executive Director Russell.
Australia is proud to work with UNICEF, and I want to acknowledge the tireless work of our UNICEF family around the world.
Australians see the impact of UNICEF’s work every day and this is evidenced by the fact that, in 2024, people across Australia donated nearly $39 million dollars to our National Committee, UNICEF Australia, and I commend the Committee’s long contributions to the work of UNICEF.
I thank UNICEF for what it does best: protecting children, supporting families in crisis, and making sure every child can grow up safe, healthy, and educated.
Australia wants UNICEF to stay focused on practical results, especially for children living through conflict, disaster, and poverty.
As the UN sets its direction for the coming years, I want to highlight three key points:
First, Australia supports UNICEF’s practical role in working to strengthen the United Nations through UN80 reforms and the Humanitarian Reset.
Simplifying systems, improving supply chains, and pushing for more joined‑up humanitarian action will make a real difference.
Australia wants UNICEF to stay at the front of these reforms: helping the UN move faster in crises, cutting duplication, and keeping support focused on the children and families who need it most.
Second, as other colleagues have touched on this morning, we need a Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator system that works.
Too often, reforms stall. False hierarchies, separate funding streams, and competition between UN agencies weaken results.
Australia wants UNICEF to help fix this.
We expect UNICEF to work with Resident Coordinators and Humanitarian Coordinators as part of the one UN team, with joined‑up planning, shared services, and less administrative burden. And Executive Director, I thank you for your comments on the efficiencies you are looking at that you mentioned this morning.
UNICEF has real influence at country level and must use it to help drive reform.
Third, UNICEF’s work in smaller and more remote member states, especially Pacific Island countries, remains essential.
Early childhood services, clean water and sanitation in schools, and vaccine delivery protect children from the daily impacts of climate change, disasters, and economic shocks.
Australia wants UNICEF to listen to Pacific governments, protect hard‑won gains, and help the United Nations recognise the real vulnerabilities SIDS face, including through tools like the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.
Thank you very much indeed Executive Director and President. I look forward to our further engagement this week.