Lesotho Strengthens Partnerships with UNICEF to Advance Child Rights and Nutrition

The Lesotho Permanent Mission to the African Union, in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Africa, welcomed Dr. Laila Gad, UNICEF Representative in Ethiopia, for a courtesy visit at the start of 2026. The meeting, held with Ambassador Ntsiuoa Sekete, focused on matters of mutual interest and opportunities for strengthened collaboration.

During the discussions, Dr. Gad praised Lesotho’s leadership in hosting the successful Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) in Maseru in November 2025. She highlighted Lesotho’s continued commitment to advancing children’s rights across the continent.

The dialogue also centered on nutrition, an area of growing importance under the leadership of His Majesty King Letsie III, who serves as the African Union Nutrition Champion. Both representatives explored ways to deepen UNICEF’s engagement in supporting initiatives that address child nutrition and promote overall child survival.

This visit underscores the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable and inclusive development in Africa. By reinforcing collaboration between Lesotho, the African Union, and UNICEF, the country continues to play a pivotal role in driving progress on child rights, health, and nutrition agendas.

Constructive exchanges such as this set the tone for the year, ensuring continued joint efforts toward improving the well-being of Africa’s children and advancing inclusive development across the continent.