Our Representative
Pia Rebello Britto, Ph.D
- Available in:
- English
- ລາວ
“I am honored to represent UNICEF in Lao PDR. Through further strengthening collaboration and cooperation between the Government and UNICEF, and working with partners, communities and families I am committed to realizing the Rights of every child in the country”
Pia Rebello Britto, Ph.D. is serving as UNICEF Representative to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) since August 2020. Dr. Britto, a national of the United States of America, and Person of Indian origin, brings extensive experience in international development and early childhood development (ECD) policy and programmes.
Prior to taking up her assignment as Representative, Dr. Britto held the position of Global Chief and Senior Advisor of Early Childhood Development at the UNICEF Headquarters in New York since April 2013. In this capacity, she provided management and technical oversight to UNICEF’s global ECD portfolio across 150 country offices, spearheading, with partners, a global movement for early childhood, to give every child the best start to life. She also served as acting Deputy Representative of the UNICEF Lao PDR Country Office in 2019.
Before joining UNICEF, Dr. Britto was Assistant Professor at Yale University; and Research Scientist at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she obtained her doctoral degree in developmental psychology. While at Yale University, one of the foci of Dr. Britto’s research was understanding governance and finance of social sector systems that deliver services for young children and families in Lao PDR.
Dr. Pia Rebello Britto is the recipient of several national and international awards and is widely cited in the media in recognition for her work. She also holds an extensive publication record of books, articles and reports.