Young Hong, UNFPA’s new representative in Malawi, presented her letter of credence to Emmanuel Fabiano, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

She outlined the role that UNFPA plays in promoting universal access to sexual and reproductive health in Malawi, commended the government for its efforts in addressing the challenges in areas that UNFPA supports and underscored a commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights programmes in line with government priorities. “I am looking forward to your support always,” she said.

In accepting the letter, Mr. Fabiano recognized the value of collaboration between UNFPA and the government. “With the president of Malawi designated as the youth champion, who requested the African Union declare 2017 as the year of the youth, there is a need for UNFPA and the government to look at youth programmes and plan on what more needs to be done,” he said.  

Young brings over 16 years of experience in international and local development, as well as in policy analysis, youth programming and capacity development. Prior to her appointment as Malawi country representative, Young served as deputy representative in Mozambique and UNDP assistant country director in Bangladesh. She succeeds Dan Odallo who retired in January 2018.