About this speaker
Louise Thivant-Johannsen is a driven child rights lawyer and international development specialist with twenty years of experience working with and for children in different development and humanitarian settings.
At the Child Friendly Governance Project, Louise oversees the daily operations and is responsible for partnerships and strategy development, conceptualisation of projects, and coordination with the Board. She provides strategic advice and technical support on policy, advocacy, and programs.
Prior to working with Child Friendly Governance Project, Louise led the transformation and revitalisation of the Child Friendly Cities Initiative, a global UNICEF program through which local governments strengthen the implementation of child rights. She oversaw the revitalisation of the initiative with the launch of the Child Friendly Cities Handbook, the first Child Friendly Cities Summit, and the launch of the Child Friendly Cities Inspire Awards. As a UNICEF representative, she steered the consultations with children and young people on the new EU strategy on the rights of the child together with four other child rights organisations. Louise also draws on experience with UNOCHA, civil society organisations, the Red Cross and the Danish and British Governments.
