Mogadishu, Somalia – Sandra Lattouf, a seasoned humanitarian with nearly three decades of experience in the United Nations and NGO sectors, officially assumed her role as UNICEF Somalia’s new Representative after presenting her credentials to Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Isaak Mohamud Mursal.
The brief but formal ceremony took place on Thursday at the ministry headquarters in Mogadishu, signaling the start of Ms. Lattouf’s leadership at a critical time for Somalia’s children and vulnerable communities.
A Lebanese national, Ms. Lattouf brings extensive experience in child protection, nutrition, and crisis response across several fragile and conflict-affected settings. She holds an advanced degree in Nutrition and Food Security from the University of Montpellier in France, as well as a master’s in Biochemistry and a bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of Sciences and Techniques in Tours.
Her appointment comes amid growing humanitarian needs in Somalia, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and chronic underdevelopment. As UNICEF Somalia’s new head, she is expected to spearhead efforts to expand access to education, health, nutrition, water, and child protection services across the country.
Deputy Minister Mursal welcomed Ms. Lattouf and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to working closely with UNICEF to improve the well-being of Somali children and families.