I would like to reiterate that we sincerely thank Madam Executive Director for her Annual Report. The report reflects, for Germany, the significant work UNICEF accomplished in 2024 – a year full of crises, a year that was not yet marked by the disruptions and challenges UNICEF and the entire UN Development System are facing now.

We would like to extend my gratitude to the UNICEF Management, and even more so, to the entire UNICEF staff for their invaluable and tireless work carried out under often extremely difficult circumstances.

Mr President,
No child bears responsibility for any of the many global crises we encounter. Yet children are too often those who bear a disproportionate share of the consequences. Germany firmly believes that global challenges and crises such as this can only be addressed by the international community, within a rules-based multilateral order. Germany reaffirms its unwavering commitment to human rights—including the rights of children —, gender equality, and to the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

We are committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation. This being said we are also convinced that the multilateral system requires profound reform. We call on all agencies including UNICEF to see UN80 as a process that leads to more efficient delivery - in this case for children - and better coherence on the ground. It is an opportunity to further consolidate and accelerate existing reforms. And I want to reiterate: for us, this is not a simple exercise in austerity.

Mr President,

We heard it: the budget cuts will compel UNICEF to undertake reforms within its own ranks. The transparency in the recent informal on the financial situation of UNICEF and the involvement of senior management has been remarkable. We hope for the same transparency regarding the difficult decisions ahead. We fully recognize the complexity of this task. The inevitable tough decisions will have a significant impact on staff, with many facing job loss and relocation. Germany stands ready to support UNICEF in this difficult process.

We also continue to stand with UNICEF financially in advancing its mandate both contributing to its core funds and programme financing, fully aware, as you said, Mme. Executive Director, that core contributions are essential for efficiency and flexibility.

I thank you for your kind attention.