Thursday 12 / December / 2024
Muscat : A high-level delegation from Oman, including senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Children First Association, the Oman Charitable Organization, and Dar Al-Atta, and the private sector, visited UNICEF’s Global Supply and Logistics Hub in Copenhagen to strengthen humanitarian cooperation.
The delegation’s visit provided a comprehensive overview of UNICEF’s exceptional procurement and delivery operations in some of the world’s most challenging environments. It was strategically aligned with Oman’s recent contribution to UNICEF’s Gaza appeal.
The visit allowed the Omani delegation to witness firsthand the crucial role UNICEF’s Supply Division plays in delivering life-saving supplies to children worldwide. The delegation was briefed on UNICEF’s extensive operations, which in 2023 alone, facilitated the procurement of $5.2 billion in essential goods and services, benefiting children in 162 countries. As part of its operations in 2023 and to date in 2024, UNICEF Supply Division has delivered more than US$270 million worth of life-saving supplies to for children and families in Gaza and Sudan.
HH Dr. Sayyida Muna Al-Said, Chairperson of the Children First Association, reflected on the experience: "Our visit to Copenhagen has been truly enlightening. Witnessing firsthand UNICEF’s cutting-edge facilities and innovative approaches, especially those that cater to the needs of children with disabilities.This aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, where the health, education, and overall well-being of our children are central to our nation's progress."
During the three-day visit, the delegation was given an in-depth tour of UNICEF’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a close look at the fully automated High Bay storage area, a 24-metre-high structure capable of holding up to 36,000 pallets of essential supplies.
The facility operates with eight robots, ensuring efficient handling and rapid response capabilities, which are crucial during crises. In addition to the tour, the delegation had the opportunity to visit UNICEF’s Innovation Hub, which showcases cutting-edge research and techniques, including assistive technologies designed to support children with disabilities.
As part of the visit, the delegation also explored social development opportunities to the Danish National Committee, during visits to the Copenhagen Children's Library and the HRH Queen Mary Foundation, gaining valuable insights into programs that could further strengthen partnerships in these areas.
“Children are at the heart of UNICEF’s supply work,” said Director of UNICEF Supply Division, Leila Pakkala. ”We extend our sincere gratitude for the strong cooperation and partnership between the Government of Oman and UNICEF for children in the most urgent need.”
This visit marks a continuation of stronger partnerships between Oman and UNICEF, as both work toward common goals of advancing children's rights, ensuring access to education, and improving health and nutrition outcomes.
