U.S. Regrets UNICEF Board Decision, Calls for Focus on Child Welfare

Washington, D.C. — June 12, 2025 — The United States expressed regret over the decisions made during the 2025 Annual Session of the UNICEF Executive Board, emphasizing the need to realign the organization’s priorities directly with its core mission of aiding children worldwide.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy outlined serious concerns regarding the framing, programming, and underlying considerations of UNICEF’s recent reports and policies. The U.S. officials criticized what they called an “unnecessary and distracting focus” on climate issues, arguing that UNICEF should concentrate on helping children affected by environmental disasters rather than framing climate change as a root cause.

The statement also highlighted concerns about language and policies related to women, girls, and gender issues. The U.S. reaffirmed its stance on recognizing biological realities—stressing that “women are biologically female, and men are biologically male”—contending that this clarity is essential for addressing the needs and perspectives of women and girls.

Additionally, the U.S. raised alarms over UNICEF’s promotion of what it described as an “ideological agenda” under the guise of sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence initiatives. The statement reaffirmed U.S. policy efforts to oppose radical gender ideology, including sterilization and chemical mutilation of children, and emphasized support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration’s focus on health promotion without including abortion.

The U.S. also rejected the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within UNICEF’s efforts worldwide, citing concerns over sovereignty and national responsibility for development. The officials declared that the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are incompatible with U.S. policies and will not be automatically reaffirmed in strategic planning.

Concluding, the United States voiced disappointment with the outcome and called for a return to fundamental values—prioritizing service and the direct aid of children, urging UNICEF to focus on its primary mission of child welfare.