Eritrea Elected to UNICEF Board Bureau: Championing Child Advocacy Worldwide

In a remarkable step forward for child welfare and international collaboration, Eritrea has been elected as a Vice-President of the UNICEF Executive Board Bureau for 2025. This esteemed position will be held by Her Excellency Ms. Sophia Tesfamariam, Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. 

The UNICEF Executive Board Bureau comprises a President and four Vice-Presidents, each representing one of the five regional groups. These officers are elected annually by the Executive Board members, with the presidency rotating among the regional groups.

The Bureau serves as a vital link between the UNICEF secretariat and the regional groups, addressing liaison, administrative, and functional matters to enhance the Board’s effectiveness. 

Ambassador Tesfamariam brings a wealth of experience to this role. With a global background in social development, she has extensively worked with youth and women, particularly in the Horn of Africa.

Her dedication to fostering possibility mindsets among the youth is evident through her leadership in over 100 seminars and workshops across the USA, Europe, and Africa. An accomplished writer and storyteller, she has published over 1,000 articles and reports for various media outlets and co-edits the Diaspora Magazine and the America Times.

Eritrea’s collaboration with UNICEF has yielded notable successes in child welfare. The nation has maintained high immunization coverage, ensuring that children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Despite challenges, Eritrea’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF, has achieved and sustained one of the highest immunization rates in the region. 

Additionally, Eritrea has made commendable progress in reducing female genital mutilation (FGM). The prevalence of FGM has been consistently declining, reflecting the country’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and health of girls and women. 

Upon her election, Ambassador Tesfamariam expressed her honor and sense of responsibility in representing Africa in such a vital role. She aims to bring alternative perspectives on underrepresented global narratives to improve the lives of children worldwide.

Eritrea’s election to the UNICEF Executive Board Bureau underscores its commitment to child welfare and international cooperation. With Ambassador Tesfamariam’s leadership, there is optimism for continued progress in advancing the rights and well-being of children both within Eritrea and globally.