Keynote remarks by Minister Osman Saleh

at the State of Africa’s Children report 2026

Distinguished Excellencies, Delegates, and Experts,
I am honored to deliver these keynote remarks at the launch of The State of Africa’s Children 2026 report. Let me begin by commending UNICEF for this timely and valuable contribution to Africa’s development agenda. We particularly welcome the report’s alignment with the African Union Theme of the Year 2026: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” By examining this priority through the lives and experiences of children, the report brings a vital and human perspective to our continental conversation. Let’s be reminded that behind every statistic is a child whose future depends on our collective action.

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