Draft:Benjamin Perks
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Benjamin Perks | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 23, 1968 Birmingham, United Kingdom |
| Organization | UNICEF |
| Website | benjaminperks |
Benjamin Perks is an author and advocate for child development and protection. He has worked with the United Nations for over 25 years in various humanitarian and human rights roles in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and North Macedonia.[1] His work has focused on addressing global issues, including poverty, preventable diseases, disability inclusion, and the demobilization of child soldiers.
Currently, Perks leads advocacy on child development and protection at UNICEF's global headquarters in New York.[2] He is the author of Trauma Proof, a book expected to be published in 2025 that examines childhood trauma and approaches to healing.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Benjamin Perks was born in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and spent a significant part of his childhood in state care and, later, living on the streets in Birmingham and London.[4]
In an interview for Melissa Fleming's podcast Awake At Night, Perks discussed how his optimism during a difficult upbringing influenced his advocacy work.[2]
At the age of 15, Perks found support from a teacher who had a significant impact on his life.[5] By 16, he was working as a full-time campaigner for the National Association of Young People in Care in London.[6] He later worked as a television researcher for the BBC before enrolling in university at the age of 21.[7]
Perks earned a bachelor's degree in History and Politics from the University of Hertfordshire and a master's degree in International Relations from the University of Kent.[8]
Career
[edit]Benjamin Perks is the Head of Advocacy for Child Development and Protection at UNICEF's global headquarters in New York. His work includes:[9]
- Promoting universal access to parenting programs that foster attachment and responsive caregiving.[4]
- Expanding access to quality pre-school education for children aged 3–6.[4]
- Addressing violence and neglect against children.[4]
In 2024, Perks organized the first International Day of Play at the United Nations headquarters, following a UN resolution designating the day.[10]
Previously, he served as UNICEF Representative to North Macedonia and Montenegro and acted as the head of the United Nations in these countries. During his tenure, he contributed to:[2]
- Ending institutional care placements for children under three.[11]
- Scaling up access to pre-school education.[11]
- Increasing the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream education.[11]
Perks also held roles as:
- Deputy Head of Mission in Kosovo and Georgia.[12]
- Emergency Coordinator in Afghanistan and in India following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, where he organized a visit by the UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Response, Bill Clinton.[12]
In addition to his UN roles, Perks is:
- An Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Birmingham's Jubilee Centre.[13]
- An Associate Member of the Department of Social Policy and Innovation at the University of Oxford.[1]
Perks delivered a TED Talk titled "How Do We Stop Childhood Adversity from Becoming a Life Sentence", addressing the impacts of childhood adversity and strategies for prevention.[14]
Authorship
[edit]In 2025, Benjamin Perks published Trauma Proof, a book that explores the psychological, physiological, and societal impacts of childhood trauma.[15]The book outlines strategies for healing and preventing trauma, emphasizing secure attachments and improved relationships.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Mr. Benjamin Perks". University of Oxford. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ a b c Fleming, Melissa (20 December 2024). "Benjamin Perks | Love Is the One Thing that Solves Everything (S10-E4)". United Nations. Retrieved 23 December 2024.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ a b "Trauma Proof". Bonnier Books.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ a b c d "Home". Benjamin Perks: Blogsite. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 24 December 2024.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ Perks, Benjamin (2025). Trauma Proof. Global Insights Publishing. p. 11. ISBN 978-1804188347.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ Perks, Benjamin (2025). Trauma Proof. Global Insights Publishing. p. 12. ISBN 978-1804188347.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ Perks, Benjamin (2025). Trauma Proof. Global Insights Publishing. pp. 11–13. ISBN 978-1804188347.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ Micevski, Dimce (22 March 2019). "UNICEF Representative to Macedonia, Mr. Benjamin Perks, MSc guest lecturer at UACS Department of Psychology". University American College. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ Perks, Benjamin (2025). Trauma Proof. Global Insights Publishing. p. 4. ISBN 978-1804188347.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ Perks, Benjamin (5 June 2024). "Ending the Play Gap". Benjamin Perks : Blogsite. Retrieved 24 December 2024.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ a b c Perks, Benjamin (2025). Trauma Proof. Global Insights Publishing. pp. 23–28. ISBN 978-1804188347.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ a b Perks, Benjamin (2025). Trauma Proof. Global Insights Publishing. p. 15. ISBN 978-1804188347.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ "Benjamin Perks". University of Birmingham. Retrieved 24 December 2024.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ TEDx Talks (6 March 2015). How Do We Stop Childhood Adversity from Becoming a Life Sentence. | Benjamin Perks | TEDxPodgorica. Retrieved 24 December 2024 – via YouTube.[non-primary source needed]
- ^ "Trauma Proof". Benjamin Perks. Retrieved 24 December 2024.[non-primary source needed]