UNICEF’s new Executive Director gets to work

Published on 04-02-2022 at 09:34

Catherine Russell, eighth Executive Director of UNICEF, stands for a portrait at UNICEF Headquarters in New York, United States of America, on 31 January 2022, on the eve of assuming her new role.

Catherine Russell is the new Executive Director of UNICEF, and the fourth woman to lead the global children’s charity in its 75-year history.

She joins UNICEF after serving for several years as a senior official in US Government administrations, including spells at the White House and State Department. She was also the principal architect of the USA’s ground-breaking Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls.

“It is an honour and a privilege to join UNICEF and help lead its remarkable work for children at such a crucial moment,” said Russell, who replaces Henrietta Fore.

“At a time when millions of children globally are still reeling from the impact of the COVID pandemic and other crises, UNICEF is leading the call to protect their rights and their futures. I look forward to the work ahead.”

Click here for more on her background.