The new country representative for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef), Ms Elke Wisch, has officially assumed her role in the country.
This was after she presented her letter of credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, yesterday here in the city.
“The Just ended Africa Human Capital Summit emphasized the need to invest in children and youth to reap the demographic dividend, so we are counting on our partnership with UNICEF to continue to work together to take this agenda forward in our country,” said Dr. Tax.
Ms Wisch said, “It is an honour to have the opportunity to serve children and families of this remarkable country.”
She added, “Together with our partners, we will continue to work tirelessly in support of the people and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to create sustainable solutions and provide opportunities for a brighter future for every child in Tanzania.”
Ms Wisch brings a wealth of experience and expertise to lead Unicef’s efforts in Tanzania, with 27 years of dedicated service.
Ms Wisch has contributed to improving the lives of children and communities in diverse developmental, transitional, and emergency contexts, including in Rwanda, Liberia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Uganda.
As Deputy Regional Director Ms Wisch oversaw regional technical assistance for 21 Unicef country programs in Eastern and Southern Africa region, including Tanzania.
She also led Unicef’s cooperation program as a Representative in Madagascar and most recently, was the Unicef representative in Nepal, a position she held for the last four years.
“Unicef has been serving children and families in Tanzania for the past 70 years and we are committed to continuing the great cooperation to ensure that no child and young person is left behind and that every child/young person can meet their full potential to contribute to Tanzania’s development,” said Ms Wisch.
Prior to joining Unicef, Ms Wisch worked in various conflict resolution organizations and academic institutions in Germany and the United States.
A national of Germany, Ms Wisch holds a Master of Arts in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Munich and a Master of Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
