Biographical Note

Secretary-General Appoints Anthony Lake of United States

 

United Nations Children’s Fund Executive Director

 

Following consultations with the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Anthony Lake (United States) as the agency’s new Executive Director, and expressed his gratitude to Ann Veneman for her services to the Organization and her commitment in leading UNICEF for five years.

Mr. Lake will bring substantial experience and passion to the critical work of UNICEF, coupled with strong leadership, proven managerial skills and the ability to mobilize political will and material resources in support of the Fund.

He has demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to supporting the agency, having served for nine years on the Board of the United States Fund for UNICEF, including a term as Chair from 2004 to 2007.  As Chairman, he oversaw a significant increase in funding and a transition in its personnel and mission.  Throughout his considerable professional and voluntary service, Mr. Lake has shown a keen interest in and commitment to advancing children’s welfare, alleviating poverty, advancing peace and promoting development.

Currently Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, Mr. Lake is also Chair of the Marshall Legacy Institute and, in that capacity, has played an active role in helping to grow an organization that alleviates suffering and nurtures stability in war-torn countries by establishing affordable and sustainable programmes for removing landmines, assisting survivors and advancing the Children Against Mines Program.

He previously served in various positions in the United States Government, including Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Director of Policy Planning in the Department of State.  As a Special Envoy, he helped facilitate the agreement that ended the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Born in 1939, Mr. Lake earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a PhD from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University.

He is married and has three children and five grandchildren.

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