Catherine Russell

The official account of @UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell — a champion #ForEveryChild, everywhere.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Thank you for championing child nutrition and addressing malnutrition.

[Micheál Martin @MichealMartinTD]

Addressing hunger and malnutrition is a priority firmly rooted in Ireland's history.

Prevention is not only the right choice morally, but also the smart choice economically.

Ireland will continue to champion child nutrition and work closely with our global partners.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

More than 9M children around the world are at the highest risk of death from malnutrition-3M of them urgently need life-saving treatment.

The message from leaders today at UNICEF was clear.

These devastating numbers should compel every one of us to act.

#UNGA

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Honored to welcome the Prime Minister of Ireland, Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD to UNICEF today and thank him for Ireland’s longstanding partnership with UNICEF and exceptional leadership on child nutrition.

[UNICEF @UNICEF]

Hundreds of millions of children across the African continent grow up with insufficient access to clean water, safe sanitation or decent hygiene facilities.

It is time to change this.

What’s needed? Strong leadership and a commitment to prioritize WASH.

Investing in WASH is investing in Africa’s future.
@_AfricanUnion

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Delighted to join EU Commissioner @JozefSikela during #UNGA to spotlight global health resilience.

UNICEF welcomes the EU Global Health Resilience Initiative, which can help strengthen country-led health systems, prepare for emergencies & support children who need it the most.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

No child should be paralyzed by polio. With teamwork and determination, we can #EndPolio for good.

Join the #TeamEndPolio Challenge on @Strava👉https://t.co/xcHlSDXCJU
Let’s help keep every child safe from vaccine preventable diseases.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

A pleasure to meet Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus @Tsahkna during the #UNGA.

From support for children in Ukraine to education, innovation and digital transformation, Estonia is a valued partner for children. Grateful for its leadership of UNICEF’s Executive Board in 2026.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Deepest thanks to EU Commissioner @dubravkasuica for championing children, and the EU for its €37M investment in water & sanitation recovery in Gaza.

This critical support will help over half a million children. UNICEF is on the ground and ready to deliver.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Important discussions with Government, @UNDP and other key development partners.

In crisis, children suffer first. We must not let health, education & protection services break down. The damage can last a lifetime.

Development must be part of our crisis response from day one.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Honored to meet President Tô Lâm of Viet Nam and congratulate him on the country’s impressive gains for children.

UNICEF is committed to supporting Viet Nam’s development priorities alongside partners, bringing our unique global experience in furthering the lives of children.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

A pleasure to meet His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho.

I thanked HM for his leadership in advancing child rights, including child nutrition as AU Nutrition Champion, and the Government of Lesotho for its strong commitment to children and investment in social protection.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Thank you President @WilliamsRuto of Kenya & Prime Minister @miaamormottley of Barbados for joining the conversation on debt, development & children.
UNICEF fully agrees. Where there is a will, there is a way to address the debt crisis. Debt can be rescheduled. Childhood cannot.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Thank you @BBCNews and @SumiSomaskanda for putting a focus on children at #UNGA.

With growing conflicts and crises, the needs are enormous. But the ask is simple: health, vaccines, education, and protection for every child, everywhere.

The world must put children first.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

More than 1B children live in countries where interest payments on public debt threaten investment in health, education and social protection.

At #UNGA, UNICEF convened governments, IFIs and researchers to propose solutions to the debt crisis.👇
https://t.co/QwxxvHTsV2

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Non-communicable diseases are a growing threat to young people’s health, yet 70% are preventable.

UNICEF is extending our partnership with @AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme to scale youth-led action to prevent NCDs and help young people build healthier futures.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

In July, UNICEF helped launch the Coalition for Children’s Rights and Protection in the Age of AI.

Today, at the #UNGA, our message remains clear.

Opportunities of AI are enormous. So are the risks.

We must put safety and child rights at the heart of AI design.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

A warm welcome to Dr @FelipePaullier, @UNYouthAffairs Assistant Secretary-General, to the GenU Global Leadership Council.

Young people are best placed to drive solutions that impact their lives and livelihoods.

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Great meeting of the GenU Global Leadership Council, with truly impressive supporters and founders of this important initiative.

Powerful discussions on turning investments in AI and the green economy into #WorkLifeReady opportunities for youth to learn, earn & thrive.

#UNGA

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Every child has the right to education. Access to safe learning is essential for children in #Sudan to learn, recover and build their futures.👇

[UNICEF @UNICEF]

Drone strikes on two warehouses in Sudan, on 20 September destroyed over 292,000 school textbooks, 40,000 Arabic Language and Mathematics Review Books, and other learning materials intended for distribution to children. 

Education supplies and facilities must be safeguarded to ensure children can fulfill their right to education. 

Details: https://t.co/WAAGJT7TkH

[Catherine Russell @unicefchief]

Delighted to welcome EU Commissioner @JozefSikela to the GenU Global Leadership Council during the #UNGA.

Global Gateway, UNICEF and GenU share a clear goal: turning major investments in digital infrastructure, clean energy & transport into real opportunities for young people.