STATEMENT MADE BY SHRI MD. NOOR RAHMAN SHEIKH, FIRST SECRETARY 

AT THE 1st  REGULAR SESSION OF THE UNICEF EXECUTIVE BOARD 

ON 02 FEBRUARY, 2016

Mr. President, 

I express my felicitations to the President and other members of the Bureau on your election. 

2. We would also like to thank the Executive Director for his statement. 

3. As this is the first session of the UNICEF following the adoption of Agenda 2030, we are delighted to be part of the deliberations on the possible ways of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that pertain to the works of UNICEF.  This year will also see review of the Strategic Plan outcomes as well as consultations for the next Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR).

4. Despite progress on several indicators on situation of children worldwide, over 47% of the world's 2.2 billion children continue to suffer from poverty and millions are vulnerable to existing and emerging challenges including armed conflict, climate change, epidemics and natural disasters. In this context, we commend UNICEF and its staff for their important and key role in advancing and protecting the rights of child globally. 

5. UNICEF needs to continue to leverage South-South Cooperation, for larger benefit of children in the developing world. Use of innovation and technology would facilitate efforts in creating enabling environment towards meeting targets for all seven outcome areas of the Strategic Action Plan 2014-17. 

Mr. President,

6. India continues to make considerable advancement in child rights. The government has been pursuing its agenda of inclusive growth and development, keeping in mind the best interests of children who constitute 39% of its total population of 1.21 billion with strong support and long standing partnership with UNICEF. Government of India has undertaken several schemes like 'Beti Bachao and Beti Padao' (Save Daughters Educate Daughters) and 'Sukanya Samriddhi Account', to accord special attention to the girl child and her overall development. 

7. In India, there has also been remarkable reduction of Maternal Mortality Ratio and Infant Mortality Rate, which is indicative of improved reproductive and child care facilities made available in India.

Mr. President,

8. We underline the importance of increasing Regular Resources, which are the bedrock of the UN funding, as they ensure strategic, responsive and predictable planning and decisions for results delivery. A shift to a more flexible non-core funding would enhance predictability and long-term planning benefiting the programmes. 

Mr. President,

9. On its part, India has made its contribution of $9,00,000 to UNICEF for 2015.

10. India is committed to working together with UNICEF to achieve the goals as set out in Agenda 2030.

Thank you, Mr. President.