UNICEF welcomes Ms. Hannah Nguyen as a new member of the UNICEF International Council in support of girls’ empowerment

BANGKOK (Thailand), 17 May 2024 – UNICEF welcomes Ms. Hannah Nguyen today as a newly selected member of the UNICEF International Council, a global community of 147 philanthropic partners committed to improving children’s lives through their combined influence, investment, and expertise.

As an entrepreneur and a public figure, Ms. Hannah Nguyen supports UNICEF’s programme on child protection, with a focus on adolescent girls’ empowerment by equipping girls with knowledge, skills, and leadership opportunities so they can make decisions about their lives and fulfil their potential. Ms Hannah Nguyen’s commitment is an inspiring example of the role that philanthropic partners can play in building a fairer and better world for children, especially girls.

"It is a great honour to be appointed today as a new member of the UNICEF International Council, especially on the occasion of my 40th birthday. I would like to send heartfelt thanks to my family, friends, and followers who inspired me to take this philanthropic journey. This new role allows me to contribute to empowering adolescent girls and women in Viet Nam, which resonates deeply with my vision for an equal world for children, especially girls to thrive, get access to quality education and reach their full potential. I aspire to lead by example, rallying those who have journeyed alongside me in my career and all those who possess a deep love for children and a desire to enact change. Together, let us ignite a movement that transforms the lives of children, inspiring hope and creating a brighter future for generations to come”, said Ms. Hannah Nguyen.

Girls’ empowerment is at the heart of UNICEF’s work. During adolescence, teenage girls often experience a loss of confidence, mental health challenges, and increased exposure to gender-based harassment and violence. UNICEF works for and with adolescent girls empowering them to write their own futures.

“When we invest in the health, education, and well-being of adolescent girls, it creates a positive ripple effect that lifts entire communities, and societies - now, in the future, and even into the next generation. Empowering girls and women is a goal in itself, and it supports societal goals such as the decline of child marriage rates, increased school enrollment of girls at all levels, increased future earnings, greater reporting and thus response to gender-based violence and reduced maternal mortality rates. I congratulate Ms. Hannah Nguyen on her success in joining the UNICEF International Council and applaud her commitment to promote girls’ empowerment and protection in Viet Nam", said Ms Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam.

As a selected and motivated group of donors, UNICEF International Council members combine their resources to make a more equitable world for children and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Council membership offers opportunities to fulfil individual philanthropic objectives, while achieving impact on a global scale, and to be part of a global community of like-minded business leaders and philanthropists uniting to bring innovative solutions to child-focused global issues.