Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye met with UNICEF Regional Director Etleva Kadilli at the presidential palace in Gitega on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to solidify bilateral cooperation regarding child welfare, educational access, and youth development across the country.
During the high-level consultations, UNICEF leadership commended the Burundian government’s ongoing social protection initiatives while recognizing President Ndayishimiye’s continental stewardship as African Union chair in advancing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda alongside regional women’s rights frameworks.
Highlighting new infrastructure priorities, President Ndayishimiye announced state plans to establish a specialized residential care facility designed to support 3,000 vulnerable children with integrated, on-site primary and secondary education programs. The joint summit reaffirmed a shared commitment to expanding community-based child protection systems and funding mechanisms, aligning UNICEF’s regional strategy with Burundi’s long-term human capital and youth development goals.
TE/Sf/lb/abj/APA