…sign 2026 Joint Annual Workplans
Moroke Sekoboto
UNITED Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the government of Lesotho have signed the 2026 Joint Annual Workplans (AWPs) in a renewed push to transform the lives of children and adolescents across the country.
The signing marks a strategic shift towards achieving impact at scale, moving away from fragmented interventions.
The workplans serve as the primary roadmap for ensuring that children and adolescents reach their full potential and were developed through extensive cross-ministerial collaboration to align with Lesotho’s national development priorities and UNICEF’s global strategy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Avani Lesotho yesterday, UNICEF Country Representative, Deepak Bhaskaran, said the event was more than a procedural exercise.
“This is a powerful affirmation of our unity, purpose and collective determination to ensure that every child survives, thrives and reaches their fullest potential,” Mr Bhaskaran said.
He said the signing reflected the strong and enduring partnership between the Government of Lesotho, UNICEF and development partners, adding that the workplans symbolise a shared responsibility to deliver measurable improvements in the lives of children, adolescents and young people nationwide.
“These workplans are not merely administrative exercises; they represent our shared commitment to accelerating progress in every district and ensuring that no child is left behind. The 2026 workplans align closely with national priorities and were jointly developed with all relevant ministries, departments and agencies.”
Mr Bhaskaran explained that the plans are guided by a lifecycle approach, supporting children in their first decade of life, empowering adolescents in their second decade, and meaningfully engaging children and youth as partners in participation, accountability and social change, while also influencing socio-economic policies, budgets and development frameworks.
He said the workplans operationalise UNICEF’s country strategy and are informed by the organisation’s new global strategy for 2026–2030, which places the full realisation of children’s rights at the centre of collective action.
“Our approach recognises that lasting change requires evidence-based and context-specific strategies grounded in Lesotho’s realities. We are moving from small, fragmented interventions to large-scale, sustainable impact that reaches even the most marginalised children,” Mr Bhaskaran said.
He stressed that this could only be achieved through strategic partnerships with government, communities, the private sector and civil society, while upholding UNICEF’s core principles of non-discrimination, gender equality, disability inclusion and principled humanitarian action.
Mr Bhaskaran noted that development and humanitarian financing globally is under unprecedented pressure, calling for smarter planning, efficient budgeting and resilient national systems.
“Now more than ever, we must ensure that every loti spent delivers maximum impact. Effective planning, targeted investment and reliable data are essential to ensure limited resources yield the greatest results for children.”
He said the 2026 AWPs build on achievements from previous years and aim to expand access to essential services in health, education, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and social protection.
“There is also a strong focus on resilience through strengthening national systems to withstand climate, economic and social shocks. Despite funding constraints and multiple development challenges, our partnership with the Government of Lesotho has remained strong and resilient, safeguarding essential services, especially for the most vulnerable children.”
He also announced that UNICEF will transition into a Multi-Country Office covering Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Namibia.
“This evolution will enhance efficiency, deepen technical collaboration and strengthen regional expertise, while ensuring that Lesotho continues to receive dedicated support tailored to its unique context and priorities. UNICEF remains fully committed to Lesotho,” he said.
Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Principal Secretary, Nthoateng Lebona, expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its continued support, applauding the organisation for signing the AWPs early in the year.
“This timing is crucial as it coincides with our budget preparation process and allows for better planning,” Ms Lebona said.
She said the signing of the 2026 Annual Workplans was a renewal of the government’s commitment to the children of Lesotho, anchored in the National Strategic Development Plan II, with a focus on human capital development and strengthened governance.
“By aligning with the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026–2029, we are ensuring that our national budget and development goals translate into tangible improvements for every child.”
Ms Lebona stressed that while the signing of the workplans is a milestone, the real measure of success lies in implementation.
“We must move with speed and transparency and ensure that allocated resources are used efficiently,” she said.
