Henrietta Fore to step down as head of UNICEF

WASHINGTON

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore is stepping down, citing her husband's “serious health issue.”

In a statement to staff, Fore said she informed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of her resignation.

"This has been a difficult decision. Serving as your Executive Director has been a tremendous honor. To serve the world’s children is both exhilarating and fascinating," said Fore.

She will remain in her post until the conclusion of the Executive Board and the UN General Assembly in September and will stay on as UNICEF Executive Director until a successor is chosen.

Fore took office as UNICEF's seventh executive director in January 2018.