Dr John W. Ashe

"I am grateful to my colleagues in the GRULAC for their support for our candidature to this important body," said Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr John W. Ashe.

"UNICEF, which works in 191 countries through country programmes and National Committees, is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. It has an important role to play in our region given its global authority to influence decision-makers. This makes it unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young," he added.

The Executive Board, like the governing bodies of other United Nations funds and programmes (such as UNDP, UNFPA and WFP), is subject to the authority of the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The Board's role includes: receiving information from and giving guidance to the Executive Director of UNICEF on the work of the Fund; ensuring that the activities and operational strategies of UNICEF are consistent with the overall policy guidance set forth by the General Assembly and the ECOSOC; monitoring the performance of UNICEF; approving programmes; and deciding on administrative and financial plans and budgets.

"Given UNICEF's mandate to promote girls' education; immunizing children against common childhood diseases; working to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people; and creating protective environments for children, we intend to be active during our tenure," said Gillian Joseph, First Secretary in the UN Mission.

The endorsement by the GRULAC of Antigua and Barbuda and Haiti is submitted to the ECOSOC, which will formally elect both States to the Board when it meets next month.

Antigua and Barbuda's term of office begins on 1 January 2008 and ends on 31 December 2010.