UNFPA’s new country representative presents credentials to foreign adviser

Ms. Catherine Breen Kamkong, the newly appointed Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh, formally presented her credentials to the Honourable Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain on 26 June 2025.

A national of Australia, Ms. Kamkong brings over 20 years of experience in international development and humanitarian response, having served with the United Nations in various capacities since 2011.

During the credential handover ceremony at the Foreign Adviser's office, Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain congratulated Ms. Kamkong on her new role and lauded UNFPA's longstanding contributions to Bangladesh's progress in maternal health, family planning, gender equality, empowerment of women, adolescents and youth, and humanitarian response. He emphasised the Government's commitment to strengthening its partnership with UNFPA under her leadership.

"UNFPA plays a vital role in Bangladesh, particularly in reducing preventable maternal deaths and advancing adolescent health to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. While progress is commendable, significant challenges remain, especially in ensuring equitable access to reproductive health information and services for women and girls. Every preventable death is one too many. Keeping girls in school, ending child marriage, and addressing the needs of underserved populations—especially in urban slums—through expanded economic opportunities and essential health services, are central to our collective efforts to build a just and equitable society," said Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain.

Ms. Kamkong expressed her honour to lead UNFPA at this pivotal moment in Bangladesh's development. "The country's steady progress in reducing maternal mortality is globally recognised. Bangladesh is undergoing a profound demographic transition with notable gains, including increased life expectancy, especially among women," she noted.

She reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to building on these successes while addressing persistent and emerging challenges: "We will tackle inequities, advance gender equality and sexual and reproductive health, meet the needs of adolescents and youth, end gender-based violence and child marriage, and respond to complex issues arising from population dynamics and climate change. Together, we strive for zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices—a future that is inclusive, equitable, and resilient for all."