New UNICEF Representative in Iraq, Christian Skoog, presents his credentials

BAGHDAD, 6 August 2025 – Christian Skoog presented his credentials today as UNICEF’s new Representative in Iraq to H.E. Dr. Fuad Hussein, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq.

“It is a privilege to join UNICEF Iraq to serve children and young people across the country,” said Mr. Skoog. “I look forward to working closely with the Government of Iraq, UN partners and the civil society to advance children’s rights and build a better future for every child.”

Mr. Skoog brings over 30 years of experience in international development, humanitarian response and human rights, with a career dedicated to promoting the well-being of children. He has led UNICEF operations across diverse and complex contexts, engaging effectively with governments, civil society and development partners.

Before assuming his role in Iraq, Mr. Skoog was the UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka (2021–2025), Mexico (2016–2021), Guatemala (2012–2016) and Mauritania (2007–2011). He also served as Deputy Representative in Haiti from 2005 to 2007. Earlier in his career, Mr. Skoog was the UNICEF focal point to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), where he worked closely with UN agencies, the Red Cross Movement and international NGOs to strengthen global humanitarian coordination and response mechanisms.

Before joining UNICEF, Mr. Skoog worked with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), serving as Regional Coordinator in Eastern Afghanistan and in Indonesia’s Maluku region, as well as held positions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and Geneva.

A national of Sweden, Mr. Skoog holds a master’s degree in Economic Development and a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Economics from Stanford University. He is married and has two children.

The new Representative will spearhead UNICEF efforts to help the Government of Iraq deliver on its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), joining forces with UN partners and other stakeholders to ensure every child, especially the most vulnerable, can survive, thrive and reach their full potential.