David Morley is the President and CEO of UNICEF Canada, a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to helping children around the world survive, thrive and reach their full potential.
A prolific international speaker, commentator, human rights advocate and mobilizer, David has more than thirty years of experience advancing children’s rights and sustainable development on the world stage.
David is a passionate voice for the world’s most vulnerable citizens, who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of children and communities in Canada and around the world.
In his current capacity at UNICEF Canada, David is responsible for leading the growth of the organization, shaping strategies to advance its mission with supporters and key stakeholders and providing the strategic vision and leadership necessary to deliver its mandate.
Under David’s leadership, UNICEF Canada has played a key role in driving Canadian efforts to advance global child survival and mobilized Canadians across the country in an unprecedented response to the Syrian humanitarian crisis.
An internationally recognized expert on humanitarian response, sustainable development and child well-being, David also sits on UNICEF’s Global Management Team, lending his expertise to the organization’s worldwide efforts to achieve meaningful progress for children.
Prior to joining UNICEF Canada, David served as Executive Director of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders Canada, as President and CEO of Save the Children Canada and was the founding Executive Director of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
A recognized leader in the field, David currently teaches at the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, and is the Chair of the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health. He has also served on the Board of Directors for several prominent organizations, including the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Canadian Council for International Cooperation and has acted as a mentor with the Trudeau Foundation.
An award-winning author of two best-selling books, including Healing Our World: Inside Doctors without Borders, David’s career has taken him around the world, from sub-Saharan Africa to South and Central America. In recognition of his dedication to global sustainable development, he received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
David was appointed to the Order of Canada on June 29th, 2018. As Canada’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. David has been invested into the Order “for his leadership in international development and for his humanitarian commitment to improving the lives of children and families around the world.”
David completed his Master of Education from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Carleton University. He is married to Elizabeth and they have two children and three grandchildren.
Read more on UNICEF’s website here!
