Ms. Mariko Kagoshima has presented her credentials to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Francess Piagie Alghali, as the new UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone on Tuesday 14 July 2026 in Freetown.
In her new role, Ms. Kagoshima will lead UNICEF’s engagement with the Government of Sierra Leone and partners to advance the rights, protection, and well-being of children across the country, particularly those facing the greatest challenges and barriers.
Before taking up her assignment in Sierra Leone, Ms. Kagoshima served as Deputy Representative in Ethiopia, where she provided strategic leadership and oversight for one of UNICEF’s largest country programmes. During her tenure, she supported initiatives focused on strengthening resilience, climate action, and innovation. She previously served as UNICEF Representative in Jamaica, where she led programme implementation and strengthened strategic partnerships to improve results for children.
Throughout her UNICEF career, Ms. Kagoshima has held senior leadership and programme positions in Guatemala, Honduras, Uganda, Angola, Afghanistan, and Mexico, contributing to humanitarian and development efforts that support children and families.
Under the UNICEF Sierra Leone Country Programme 2025-2030, UNICEF will continue supporting national efforts to build on the country’s progress for children, while addressing persistent challenges that prevent many children from fully realizing their potential. The programme aims to ensure that every child has access to essential services, protection, and opportunities to thrive.
During the presentation of credentials, Ms. Kagoshima reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Sierra Leone and partners to accelerate progress for children.
“I am honoured to serve as UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone at a time of great opportunity for children and young people,” said Ms. Kagoshima. “Sierra Leone has made important progress for children, and UNICEF will continue working with the Government and partners to help accelerate that progress and ensure that no child is left behind.”
Accepting her credentials, Hon. Francess Piagie Alghali highlighted UNICEF’s longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone and its contribution to national development priorities focused on children.
“On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, I warmly welcome Ms. Kagoshima to Freetown and look forward to further strengthening our partnership with UNICEF,” said Hon. Francess Piagie Alghali. “Children, especially girls, remain central to Sierra Leone’s human development agenda, and we greatly value UNICEF’s technical expertise and support in strengthening national capacities. We look forward to continued collaboration, including preparations for upcoming reporting under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as we work together to accelerate results for every child.”
UNICEF remains committed to partnering with the Government of Sierra Leone and other stakeholders to advance children’s rights and ensure that every child has access to the services, protection, and opportunities needed to fulfil their full potential.