New UNICEF Representative in Somalia
Mogadishu, 31 July 2025 – Ms. Sandra Lattouf, the newly appointed UNICEF Representative in Somalia, has today presented her letters of credence to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Isaak Mohamud Mursal.
Ms. Lattouf brings nearly three decades of experience in the UN and NGO sectors.
“I look forward to building on the progress that has been made in improving the lives of children. UNICEF will continue to support the Government to fulfil its development aspirations through the National Transformation Plan,” she said. “My coming to Somalia is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.”
Prior to her appointment, she served as UNICEF Representative in Iraq from 2023 to 2025. She has also held similar capacities in Burkina Faso and The Gambia. Her career with UNICEF has seen her hold various positions in headquarters in New York and in several country and field offices, including Haiti, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She has previously worked with the international NGO Solidarités in Burundi, the DRC, and France.
A national of Lebanon, Ms. Lattouf holds an advanced degree in Nutrition and Food Security from the University of Montpellier, France, a master’s degree in Biochemistry, and a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Sciences and Techniques in Tours, France.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
UNICEF has been working in Somalia since 1972 when its first office opened in Mogadishu. Today UNICEF has over 300 staff working in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dollow, Garowe, Hargeisa and also Nairobi, Kenya. Together with 200 international and national NGOs and community-based organizations, UNICEF delivers services in Health, Nutrition, WASH, Education and Child Protection, and responds to emergencies and supports peace-building and development.
