New UNFPA representative takes up office in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 21 March 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday accepted the credentials of Ritsu Nacken, the new representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Sri Lanka.

Presenting her credentials, Nacken said: “Building on the nearly 50-year partnership between Sri Lanka and UNFPA, we are committed to continue supporting the Government in ensuring reproductive rights of women and young people in line with the Sustainable Development Goals framework.”

The Foreign Minister recognised the importance of the UNFPA’s presence in Sri Lanka while acknowledging the strong partnership with UNFPA, particularly in the area of youth participation in peace building, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health.

Nacken, a Japanese national, has been attached to the UN for over 15 years, holding positions in New York, Fiji, Ethiopia and most recently Vietnam where she served as UNFPA Deputy Representative.

She has a Master of Science in Non-Profit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.