Muscat: UNICEF has presented Oman’s new Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2026-2030 to the Second Regular Session of the UNICEF Executive Board in New York, signifying the end of the current programme that has been in place since 2022. The CPD was approved unanimously without any objections.
Created over the past year through an extensive participatory process that included government agencies, civil society, and various partners, the new country programme emphasizes critical opportunities throughout a child's life.
The activities and outcomes are centered around two primary life stages: "early childhood," which aims to enhance access to quality early learning and services; and "the adolescent years," focusing on improving educational opportunities, skills development, and meaningful engagement. Social inclusion and child protection are integral themes that ensure equitable access to services and protection from harm for the most vulnerable children throughout their lives. With its official submission to the UNICEF Executive Board, the 2026-2030 CPD received unanimous approval, reflecting a strong endorsement of UNICEF Oman’s priorities and strategic direction for the upcoming four years.
This significant achievement was further highlighted by the participation of the Sultanate of Oman at the Executive Board.
Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, the Minister of Social Development, took part in the UNICEF Executive Board meeting virtually, where she presented a statement that underscored the Sultanate of Oman’s dedication to promoting children’s rights at the national level. The statement also addressed common regional priorities for the Middle East and North Africa, such as supporting parents and caregivers, ensuring children's safety in the digital realm, and protecting children in conflict situations. "Only through sustained investment in policies, programmes and peace can we create safe, supportive and nurturing environments for children," the Minister stated.
In line with Oman Vision 2040, the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals, and international agreements, the new 2026-2030 Country Programme Document (CPD) outlines strategies for change, including policy guidance, behavior modification, and evidence collection. UNICEF Oman will move forward with creating rolling work plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to implement the CPD, building on the Sultanate of Oman’s robust history 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 collaboration between UNICEF and the Sultanate of Oman is based on a mutual understanding that investing in children equates to investing in the future of the nation," remarked Sumaira Chowdhury, UNICEF Representative to the Sultanate of Oman. "This CPD, which aligns with Oman Vision 2040, offers a practical framework to expedite outcomes for children throughout the country."
The new five-year country programme is set to commence in 2026. With this initiative, the Sultanate of Oman and UNICEF reaffirm their commitment to a future where every child is safe, included, and empowered.
