NEW YORK, April 27 (UPI) -- UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy announced her retirement Wednesday as the former investment banker completed a second and final term.
After two consecutive five-year appointments to the international children's agency, Bellamy will retire Saturday. Her successor, Ann Veneman, was U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from 2001-2005.
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During Bellamy's tenure, worldwide child mortality rates have dropped 16 percent and the number of children out of school is at its lowest level in history, according to an UNICEF statement.
Bellamy says, "I can think of no work more vital to humanity than working to ensure that children everywhere survive their early years and grow up with health dignity and peace."
