World Forum International Organizing Committee Biography

Martha Llanos

Martha Llanos is a Human Development Specialist from Lima, Peru, however she considers herself a world citizen. Her permanent life mission is to contribute to the flourishing of children; she has a worldwide pioneer work in the field of early childhood development and was the first UNICEF Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean. Her extensive contribution to the well being of children, women and families in more than 50 countries was recognized with the Nathalie Masse award from the International Children Centre in France in 1988.

She studied Psychology at the Catholic University in Peru and her post graduate studies at Strathclyde University in Scotland and Nijmegen, Netherlands with specialization in Developmental and Social Psychology. She initiated her professional life as researcher in the field of poverty and human development, with pioneer studies on intellectual functioning of children in deprived areas, patterns of child rearing, transitions home and schools, family and school values and interactions. She is involved in the theme of “ Resilience” the capacity of human beings to overcome and transform adversity and best examples are the indigenous children and women, she plays tribute and recognition to the values and knowledge of the original people. She has lived with indigenous people in countries of three Continents, Peru, Nepal and Lesotho.

She has recently been awarded recognition from the Peruvian University as an Honorary Professor and Extraordinary Researcher for her contribution towards understanding children and women in poverty contexts and her commitment towards inclusion, diversity and peace.

She loves music, dance, theatre and storytelling. As an artherapist she is contributing to the healing of children in emergencies and armed conflicts worldwide.

She has pioneer work on early childhood in many international organizations: UNICEF, World Bank, UNESCO, World Health Organisation, World Food Programme, Van Leer and others. Currently she is an International Consultant devoted to evaluation and planning of early childhood programmes and to the advocacy and development of policies for the fulfillment of children’s rights.