Newly appointed UNICEF Representative for Jamaica, Osama Makkawi Khogali,  paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator  Kamina Johnson Smith, marking his first official engagement since beginning his assignment in Jamaica.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding partnership between the Government of Jamaica and UNICEF and to discuss shared priorities for advancing the rights and wellbeing of children and young people across Jamaica and the Caribbean. 

Khogali brings more than 30 years of international experience in humanitarian response and development, having served in UNICEF leadership positions across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Prior to his appointment in Jamaica and the Caribbean, he served as UNICEF Representative in Ghana, Tajikistan, Montenegro and Oman. 

Khogali expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Government of Jamaica.

“It is an honour to begin my assignment in Jamaica and to reaffirm UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the government in advancing the rights, wellbeing and potential of every child. I look forward to listening, learning and contributing to the government’s priorities for children, while building on Jamaica’s important leadership in shaping solutions that will impact children here and across the Caribbean. May our partnership continue to strengthen opportunities for every child to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential.”

Minister Johnson Smith welcomed Mr. Khogali and underscored the value of the partnership between Jamaica and UNICEF.

UNICEF and the Government of Jamaica have worked together for decades to improve outcomes for children, including in education, child protection, health, social protection, youth engagement and resilience building. The partnership continues to support national priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of all children.