Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Dr. Pascal Villeneuve on Thursday took charge as the new UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh

As a development practitioner, he brings with him 24 years of experience of working for the betterment of children and women globally,the UNCICE said in an announcement.

On the day, the new UNICEF representative presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Dipu Moni at the latter’s office in the city while at the same time he reiterated UNICEF’s continued support for the socio-economic advancement of the country, according to the announcement.

Prior to his arrival in Dhaka, Dr. Villeneuve served as the Associate Director of the Division of Programmes in UNICEF headquarters. In that capacity he has been overseeing UNICEF’s engagement in global program partnerships.

Before that, he served as Chief of Health at UNICEF’s New York headquarters between 2003 and 2006. Dr. Villeneuve joined UNICEF in 1987 as Assistant Program Officer in Brazzaville, Congo.

In 1993, he transferred to UNICEF headquarters in New York where he served until his appointment as UNICEF Representative in Yaounde, Cameroon in 1998. Dr. Villeneuve also served as UNICEF representative in Mali between 2000 and 2003.

Prior to joining UNICEF, Dr. Villeneuve served as a nutrition adviser for the League of the Red Cross Societies in Mali in 1985 and in Niger in 1986.

Dr. Villeneuve, a national of France, was awarded a degree in Medicine from Rennes School of Medicine, France, in 1985, and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Human Nutrition from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1984.   

BBN/SSR/AD-29Dec11-12:43 pm (BST)