Our Representative

Ms. Meritxell Relaño Arana was appointed as UNICEF Representative to Syria in June 2025, bringing over two decades of senior leadership in international development, humanitarian response, strategic planning, and interagency coordination. Known for her unwavering commitment to equity and child rights, she has consistently delivered impactful results for children in some of the world’s most complex and fragile contexts. Her leadership is deep rooted in a strong belief that every child deserves a fair chance, no matter who they are or where they live.

Ms. Relaño Arana has served as UNICEF Representative in the Central African Republic (2022–2025), Yemen (2017–2019), and Djibouti (2013–2015), as well as Deputy Representative in The Gambia (2009–2013).

Between 2019 to 2022, Ms. Relaño Arana has also served as Deputy Director of UNICEF’s Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS), where she led on accountability to affected populations, cluster coordination, and UNICEF’s Humanitarian Review. Her early career focused on education and early childhood development, life skills, and HIV prevention including roles with UNICEF in Mozambique, Panama, Colombia, and East Timor.

Ms. Relaño Arana holds a PhD in Political Science and Sociology from the University of the Basque Country (Universidad del País Vasco), a Master’s in Business Administration from ESEUNE Business School, and a degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Deusto.