The newly appointed UNICEF representative in Pakistan, Pernille Ironside, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protect and defend the rights of all children when they began their role in the country, arose on Tuesday.
The agency supports the government to “accelerate progress for children, work to achieve sustainable development objectives (SDGs) and help children carry out their rights under the children’s rights convention,” said the official website of UNICEF Pakistan.
After formally assuming the role, Ironside presented its credentials to the Special Secretary (UN) to Ambassador Nabeel Munir in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a press release.
“During the meeting, Mrs. Ironside reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to protect and defend the rights of all children in Pakistan,” he said.
As a new representative, it will provide “strategic leadership in the Unicef countries program”, which “aims to nurture, educate, protect and support children from their first moments through adolescence” with a holistic approach.
According to its leadership, the agency will continue to support the government, providing support for long -term development and humanitarian assistance, according to the statement.
“The key focus areas include the strengthening of the educational system to expand access and improve learning results for children, improve maternal and newborn care, reduce child malnutrition, increase access to safe water and sanitation, strengthen child protection, birth registry and gender equality, and protect children from disasters, climatic and environmental risks in Pakistan,” he added.
He was summoned by saying: “It is an honor to lead UNICEF’s vital work for children in Pakistan. The needs of children are vast and their potential is even greater.
“I hope to rely on solid foundations and work in close association with the Government, the UN and other development partners, civil society, public and private sectors and passionate defenders of children’s rights. Together, we have a powerful opportunity to create a positive and lasting change so that each child can really prosper.”
The UNICEF representative stressed that almost half of the population of Pakistan was under 18 and two thirds were under 30, having an “extraordinary promise.”
“This young population can be a catalyst for transformation. By investing in education, child and neonatal care, nutrition, safe water, child protection and increased climate resistance, we can unlock the talent and creativity of children and young people to boost progress and prosperity,” he said.
“I hope to lead UNICEF’s mission and be a champion for each child.”
The press release also added that Ironside was a Canadian citizen with more than 20 years of experience in international development, humanitarian action and defense of the rights of the child in various roles with UNICEF.
She served as Deputy Director of Data, Planning, Analysis and Monitoring at the UNICEF headquarters in New York, Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Chief of Field Operations in Iraq, Head of the Strip Field Office of Gaza, Senior Global Advisor in Emergencies, a specialist in Child Protection in the Democratic Republic of the East of Congo, with additional implementations in additional implementations in additional implementations, Philippines and Philippines. Pakistan
The ongoing initiatives of UNICEF in Pakistan currently benefit almost six million children. These programs aimed to protect the health of children, support their growth, improve their skills and train them to perform their maximum potential, contributing positively to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development.
In May, the agency promised support and protection for Pakistan’s children against the climatic crisis and their impacts on their economic and social lives.
