Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On February 24, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, H.E. Ambassador Edouard Bizimana, received in audience Ms. France Bégin, Resident Representative of UNICEF in Burundi, as part of a courtesy visit.
In their discussions, they appreciated the existing relations between Burundi and UNICEF and agreed to strengthen them. They focused on matters of common interest, including prospects for cooperation between Burundi and UNICEF in the fields of maternal and child health, education, and child protection.
After commending Burundi on assuming the chairmanship of the African Union, Ms. Bégin reaffirmed the commitment of UNICEF to supporting the Burundian Government’s efforts which aim to improve the well-being of vulnerable children and families. She further emphasized that UNICEF will make a significant contribution to the key sectors identified by His Excellency the President of the Republic as pillars of the AU.
This year’s theme, ensuring the sustainable availability of safe water and sanitation systems to achieve the goals of the 2063 Agenda of the AU, also remains an objective of UNICEF.
UNICEF will contribute to programs related to youth, women and children as part of the effective implementation of the African Union’s vision, she added.
Discussions also focused on consolidating ongoing projects, including the Annual Review, the new 2027-2028 Cooperation Programme, updating joint technical committees and identifying new avenues for cooperation.
Ambassador Bizimana welcomed this collaboration and expressed his willingness to continue the dialogue to strengthen joint actions, stating that this meeting demonstrates a shared commitment to consolidating partnership relations and promoting a better future for the children of Burundi. Both parties agreed to maintain regular dialogue to ensure the effective implementation of joint initiatives.