A Legacy of Compassionate Leadership
Henrietta H. Fore has served over four decades in leadership roles across public and private sectors. She was the first woman Administrator of USAID and the Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance before becoming UNICEF Executive Director from 2018 to 2022. Her tenure was marked by steadfast commitment to the welfare of orphaned, displaced, and crisis-affected children.
Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Children
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fore highlighted the growing numbers of children who lost parents and the heightened risks they face, including violence and neglect. She advocated strongly for family-based care and government support to prevent unnecessary separations.
Advocating for Unaccompanied and Separated Children
Amid the 2021 Afghanistan crisis, Fore ensured UNICEF prioritized the care and family reunification of approximately 300 unaccompanied and separated children evacuated from the country, emphasizing child-centered humanitarian responses and international cooperation.
Promoting Psychosocial Support for Children
Understanding the trauma children endure in emergencies, Fore championed child-friendly spaces and structured psychosocial programs to help children process trauma and regain normalcy, highlighting mental health as vital to their overall development.
A Vision for a Better Future
Throughout her leadership at UNICEF, Henrietta Fore advocated for safe, nurturing environments where every child can thrive. Her legacy continues to inspire child protection and empowerment initiatives worldwide.