The newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Rwanda, Noala Skinner, yesterday presented her credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Skinner replaces Dr. Joseph Foumbi who has represented the organisation for the last four and a half years.

Prior to taking up her post in Rwanda, Skinner served as UNICEF Representative in Montenegro from 2007.

 "It is an honour to serve as UNICEF’s Representative to Rwanda,” she said, after presenting her letters of credence.

"Rwanda has the vision, the commitment and a clear track record in realising children’s rights. UNICEF remains committed, as part of the UN family, to accompanying this country in transforming the nation, empowering families and reaching the most vulnerable children and women”.

Skinner emphasised that investing in children so that they grow up healthy, well nourished, educated, protected and able to develop to their full potential, is the best investment any person, partner or country can make.

She also expressed her commitment to deepening UNICEF’s cooperation across the health, education and social protection area in Rwanda.

Rwanda is one of eight countries where the One UN program is being piloted, under which all UN agencies are brought under one roof.

According to the UN, two-thirds of all expected results under this framework relate to improvements in the lives of children and women.

Skinner has been with UNICEF since 1998 serving in Geneva, Kosovo, New York and Vietnam.

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