Editors’ Note

The recipient of a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Davis; a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley; and a juris doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, Ann Veneman served as the 27th Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture from 2001 to 2005, when she assumed leadership of UNICEF.

Organization Brief

As the children’s agency of the United Nations, UNICEF works in over 150 developing and transitional countries to help children survive and thrive. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for poor countries, UNICEF works to advance the Millennium Development Goals by supporting child health and nutrition, quality basic education, access to clean water and sanitation, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. With a staff of nearly 10,000 and total resources of almost $3 billion annually, UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of governments, businesses, foundations, and individuals.

What are UNICEF’s focus areas?

There are three. The first is health – reducing child mortality and addressing issues that impact a child’s ability to thrive and survive. We also focus on the health of the mother, because a healthy mother is more likely to produce a healthier child. The second area is education. We are working to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal of universal primary education, and to make sure that valuable, quality education is delivered. The third area is child protection, including violence against children, trafficking of children, child labor, and child soldiers.

Is UNICEF mostly focused on Africa today?

We work in over 150 countries, but our level of engagement varies depending on children’s needs. UNICEF’s activities are focused where they are most needed, and where they can deliver results. Africa clearly meets both those criteria.

Will the Millennium Development Goals be met by 2015?

We are seeing significant progress in many parts of the world, and we have the potential to meet the goals in many countries. Egypt has already achieved its Millennium Development Goal on child mortality, and Ethiopia has seen a 40-percent drop in child mortality since 1990. Vietnam is also on the right track. I have a great deal of hope, and if we maintain our sense of urgency and our focus, we will see significant progress.

What is the nature of your partnership with the NBA?

UNICEF works with organizations like the NBA and celebrity Goodwill Ambassadors to promote its mission, because of their ability to garner media attention. NBA players have promoted AIDS education, and UNICEF has also been involved with the NBA program called Nothing But Nets, which seeks to wipe out malaria. So much of what we do is about education, and working with organizations like the NBA gives UNICEF an additional opportunity to educate. By harnessing the resources of UNICEF and our partners, we are focusing on results for children around the world.