September 10, 2026 | 02:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - UNICEF Indonesia has appointed Thomas Davin as its new Representative, tasked with leading the agency’s work in Indonesia and strengthening cooperation with the government and other partners on children’s rights and well-being.
Davin formally presented his credentials to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 9, marking the official start of his assignment. He assumed the role on September 1, 2026.
Davin brings more than 25 years of experience with UNICEF, including leadership positions at the country and regional levels, humanitarian response, and global innovation.
Before taking up his new post in Indonesia, Davin served for more than five years as Director of UNICEF’s Global Office of Innovation in Sweden. The office works through a global network of innovation hubs and experts to develop and scale solutions for children.
During his tenure, the office expanded its reach to more than 120 countries and supported initiatives including the use of artificial intelligence to support children’s learning, blockchain technology to reach unvaccinated children, and innovative financing for child-focused ventures.
Davin said he was “honoured and excited” to begin his new chapter in Indonesia, describing the country as one of “remarkable scale, diversity and promise.”
He said he had been deeply impressed by Indonesia’s commitment to children and young people, reflected in the government’s sustained investment in human capital, and highlighted the ambitious Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, which places children at the centre of the country’s future.
UNICEF, he added, is committed to supporting those efforts.
Davin said he looked forward to working closely with the Government of Indonesia, communities, civil society, development partners, the private sector and young people to build on the country’s progress and aspirations.
“Having spent the past five years leading UNICEF’s global innovation work, I look forward to bringing lessons, partnerships and innovative approaches from around the world to support Indonesia’s ambitions for children, while showcasing Indonesia’s experiences and achievements globally.”
Davin’s Experience in Asia-Pacific
Davin previously worked in East Asia and the Pacific, serving as UNICEF Deputy Regional Director for the region from 2019 to 2020. He was also UNICEF Representative in Thailand from 2016 to 2019.
Earlier in his career, he served as UNICEF Representative in Algeria, Regional Chief of Emergency Response for the Middle East and North Africa, and Deputy Representative for Programmes and acting Representative in Djibouti.
His other UNICEF assignments included humanitarian response, development and social impact work in Kosovo, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Geneva.
Davin is a French national. He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the Institut d’Études Politiques in Strasbourg and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Université Lumière Lyon II.
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