Heo Geum-joo takes office as new secretary-general of UNICEF Korea

Heo Geum-joo began her tenure as secretary-general of the Korean Committee for UNICEF on Sept. 8, bringing experience from corporate management, women’s leadership networks and social contribution work.

Heo previously served as an executive at Kyobo Life Insurance, where she worked across planning, business-to-business operations and communications. She was also the founding chair of the Korean branch of the International Women’s Forum, leading efforts to expand exchanges and networks among women leaders in South Korea and abroad.

She has worked with organizations including the German-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Women in Innovation and the Seoul Scholarship Foundation, focusing on the growth of women and young people and on social contribution initiatives.

The Korean Committee for UNICEF said it selected Heo for her management expertise, organizational leadership, global network, communication skills and humanitarian leadership. Heo said joining an organization that works for children around the world carried deep meaning and serious responsibility.

“I will do my utmost to share UNICEF’s values and vision widely throughout society, drawing on the management expertise and global experience I have built in various organizations, and to help more people join efforts to create change for children’s rights and happiness,” she said.

Heo will work closely with UNICEF headquarters and oversee the committee’s major activities, including fundraising, child-rights advocacy, public relations, partnerships and organizational management. The committee represents UNICEF in South Korea, raises funds for children worldwide and promotes children’s rights domestically through child-friendly society initiatives.

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I will do my utmost to share UNICEF’s values and vision widely throughout society, drawing on the management expertise and global experience I have built in various organizations, and to help more people join efforts to create change for children’s rights and happiness