Lesotho and UNICEF Strengthen Commitment to Child Development with 2026–2030 Country Programme

On February 4, 2026, the Government of Lesotho, in partnership with UNICEF, held an official signing ceremony for the UNICEF Country Programme for Lesotho (2026–2030) at Avani Maseru. The event marked a formal commitment to continuing collaboration on child development and protection, reinforcing efforts to improve the well-being of children across the country. The ceremony brought together key government officials and UNICEF representatives to underline the importance of long-term investment in children as drivers of the nation’s future. The programme aligns with both the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and Lesotho’s national development priorities, demonstrating a coordinated approach to sustainable social progress.

Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Ms Nthoateng Labona, welcomed UNICEF’s ongoing support, highlighting the partnership as a critical investment in the country’s youth. She emphasized that supporting children today ensures a stronger, more resilient Lesotho in the future. “This partnership will help strengthen our efforts to support children, who are the future of this country,” Ms Labona said. The government and UNICEF have committed to providing resources, guidance, and technical support to implement initiatives that address education, health, social protection, and overall child development. This reflects Lesotho’s dedication to meeting global standards for child welfare while tailoring programmes to local needs.

The programme’s funding for 2026 is projected at USD 14 million, with USD 6.7 million allocated to Decade 1 projects, USD 6 million to Decade 2 initiatives, and USD 1.6 million directed toward social policy work. These investments are intended to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure measurable outcomes for children and young people. During the signing ceremony, Principal Secretaries from multiple ministries, including Finance, Local Government, Natural Resources, Health, Trade and Industry, and Education and Training, joined UNICEF Country Representative Mr Deepak Bhaskaran to formalize the programme documents. This step reinforced inter-ministerial cooperation and demonstrated a unified commitment to child-focused development strategies.

UNICEF Country Representative, Mr Deepak Bhaskaran, highlighted that the programme is designed to strengthen systems supporting children, adolescents, and young people. He emphasized that the approach prioritizes sustainability and long-term impact, ensuring that interventions from 2026 to 2030 produce tangible improvements in the lives of Lesotho’s youth. Mr Bhaskaran noted that UNICEF will work closely with government institutions to build capacities, enhance service delivery, and support policies that protect and empower children across the country.

UNICEF Deputy Representative, Mr Bob Muchabaisa, added that the programme aims to create lasting social change and meaningful outcomes for children throughout Lesotho. He emphasized that coordinated efforts between government ministries and UNICEF will ensure that resources are efficiently utilized and that interventions reach the most vulnerable communities. The partnership reflects a shared vision for an inclusive future where children have access to quality education, health care, protection, and opportunities to thrive. By formalizing this programme, Lesotho and UNICEF have set a clear path toward strengthening child development systems and achieving sustainable progress over the next five years.