BELMOPAN, Belize, Nov 6, CMC – The Belize government has launched a national consultation aimed at creating the 2027-2031 Country Programme of Cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The event has brought together key government stakeholders, civil society representatives, and development partners to align national priorities for children with UNICEF’s strategic support over the next five years.
The consultation marks a critical step in the development of the national programme for children, which will also contribute to the broader UNICEF Multi-Country Programme for the Caribbean.
As UNICEF transitions to a Multi-Country Office (MCO) model, the organisation is strengthening its ability to deliver results at scale, particularly for the most vulnerable children across the region.
The national consultation is being hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the custodian of all international treaties and instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) that guides UNICEF’s work in Belize.
Chief executive officer in the ministry, Amalia Mai, said that the consultation reaffirmed Belize’s shared commitment to its children, while Ken Legins, UNICEF Representative to Belize, emphasised the importance of inclusive dialogue and co-creation in designing a programme that is responsive to the needs of Belizean children.
“UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the government of Belize and partners to ensure that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality education, healthcare, protection, and opportunities to thrive,” according to a statement issued following the consultation.
The organisers said that the outcomes of the consultation will directly inform the design of the 2027–2031 Country Programme, “ensuring it reflects national priorities and leverages regional collaboration to deliver lasting impact for children”.
CMC/dh/ir/2025