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From presidents to the poor
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CNN) -- From helping the world's poorest people to meeting presidents, UNICEF boss Carol Bellamy has a tough schedule to keep. As executive director of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, her job for the past eight years has involved visiting more than 100 countries. Her mission is to lobby for better conditions for women and children with heads of state, cultural icons, corporate leaders, rebel commanders, and others. And as an American she is keen to emphasise that her role is with the United Nations – not the U.S. "I am the head of a U.N. agency so I'm not bringing in an American agenda, I'm bringing in the U.N. children's agenda." As a frequent world traveller, Bellamy, 50, has learnt to adapt to the rigours of trips where she will meet a range of people. "I actually take packing very seriously. It really is a talented bit of magic to try and make sure that you have all the kinds of clothing that you need," Bellamy told CNN on a trip to Windhoek, Namibia. "I need to have clothing that I can go and visit the poorest communities in the world and maybe on the same trip, royalty or certainly possibly presidents of countries." From meeting the president of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, to thank him for his country's support, to visiting a hospital to promote awareness of HIV and Aids, Bellamy has to adapt to her surroundings. "I find that most people, although they come from different cultures and respond in different ways, really care about the issues we care about -- they want to make a difference generally. "Learning to help lead an organisation with all the different ways people are going to respond and trying to bring about some changes -- that to me has been both the most exciting and the most challenging aspect." In her varied career, Bellamy was a Wall Street lawyer for 11 years, then director of the Peace Corps volunteer agency. UNICEF promotes five global priorities: immunisation, education for girls and boys, fighting HIV and Aids, protecting children from abuse, and child development.
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