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| In an for ] podcast Awake At Night, Perks shared how he maintained optimism despite his difficult upbringing, a mindset that continues to drive his advocacy work. | In an for ] podcast Awake At Night, Perks shared how he maintained optimism despite his difficult upbringing, a mindset that continues to drive his advocacy work. | ||
| At the age of 15, a supportive teacher had a transformative impact on his life, helping him find direction and purpose. By 16, Perks was working as a full-time campaigner for the National Association of Young People in Care in London. He later worked in various roles, including as a television researcher for the BBC, before enrolling in university at the age of 21. | At the age of 15, a supportive teacher had a transformative impact on his life, helping him find direction and purpose. By 16, Perks was working as a full-time campaigner for the National Association of Young People in Care in London. He later worked in various roles, including as a television researcher for the ], before enrolling in university at the age of 21. | ||
| 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.<ref>https://uacs.edu.mk/home/unicef-representative-to-macedonia-mr-benjamin-perks-msc-guest-lecturer-at-uacs-department-of-psychology/</ref> | Perks earned a bachelor's degree in History and Politics from the ] and a master’s degree in International Relations from the ].<ref>https://uacs.edu.mk/home/unicef-representative-to-macedonia-mr-benjamin-perks-msc-guest-lecturer-at-uacs-department-of-psychology/</ref> | ||
| == Career == | == Career == | ||
| Benjamin Perks is currently the Head of Advocacy for Child Development and Protection and a Senior Advisor at |
Benjamin Perks is currently the Head of Advocacy for Child Development and Protection and a Senior Advisor at ] global headquarters in New York. His work focuses on: | ||
| * Ending violence and neglect against children. | * Ending violence and neglect against children. | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
| * Ensuring quality pre-school education for children aged 3–6. | * Ensuring quality pre-school education for children aged 3–6. | ||
| In 2024, Perks organized the first-ever International Day of Play at the United Nations headquarters on June 11, following a UN resolution designating the day. | In 2024, Perks organized the first-ever International Day of Play at the ] headquarters on June 11, following a UN resolution designating the day. | ||
| Previously, Perks served as UNICEF Representative to North Macedonia and Montenegro and, for extended periods, as acting head of the United Nations in both countries. His efforts in these roles contributed to: | Previously, Perks served as ] Representative to North Macedonia and Montenegro and, for extended periods, as acting head of the United Nations in both countries. His efforts in these roles contributed to:<ref>https://uacs.edu.mk/home/unicef-representative-to-macedonia-mr-benjamin-perks-msc-guest-lecturer-at-uacs-department-of-psychology/</ref> | ||
| * Ending institutional care placements for children under three. | * Ending institutional care placements for children under three. | ||
| * Scaling up access to pre-school education. | * Scaling up access to pre-school education. | ||
| * Increasing the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream education. | * Increasing the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream education. | ||
| Perks has also served as: | Perks has also served as: | ||
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| In addition to his UN roles, Perks is: | In addition to his UN roles, Perks is: | ||
| * An Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Birmingham’s Jubilee Centre, which focuses on character development in education.<ref>https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/education/perks-benjamin</ref> | * An Honorary Senior Fellow at the ] Jubilee Centre, which focuses on character development in education.<ref>https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/education/perks-benjamin</ref> | ||
| * An Associate Member of the Department of Social Policy and Innovation at the University of Oxford. | * An Associate Member of the Department of Social Policy and Innovation at the ]. | ||
| * A former trainer and facilitator for the United Nations Staff System College, specializing in human rights and policy-making. | * A former trainer and facilitator for the United Nations Staff System College, specializing in human rights and policy-making. | ||
| He also completed a mid-career program at Harvard University on Advocacy for Education Reform. | He also completed a mid-career program at ] on Advocacy for Education Reform. | ||
| Perks has also delivered a TED Talk titled "", where he explores the long-term impacts of childhood adversity and offers strategies for prevention and healing. The talk emphasizes the importance of early intervention and public health approaches to reduce intergenerational trauma.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp0kV7JtWiE</ref> | Perks has also delivered a TED Talk titled "", where he explores the long-term impacts of childhood adversity and offers strategies for prevention and healing. The talk emphasizes the importance of early intervention and public health approaches to reduce intergenerational trauma.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp0kV7JtWiE</ref> | ||
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| Drawing from both professional research and personal experiences, the book has been noted for its accessible and practical approach to addressing trauma and resilience. | Drawing from both professional research and personal experiences, the book has been noted for its accessible and practical approach to addressing trauma and resilience. | ||
| == Impact and Recognition == | |||
| Benjamin Perk’s work has influenced policies and practices aimed at improving outcomes for children worldwide. His contributions have been recognised by various organisations, and his advocacy has inspired initiatives in trauma prevention and resilience building. | |||
| == External Links == | == External Links == | ||
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Introduction
Benjamin Perks is an author and global advocate for child development and protection. He has served in the United Nations for over 25 years, holding humanitarian and human rights diplomacy roles in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and North Macedonia. His work has addressed 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. In 2025, he authored Trauma Proof, a publication that explores childhood trauma and healing. The book emphasizes a public health approach to trauma, aiming to improve child well-being and reduce risks such as violence and exploitation.
Early Life and Background
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. He has described life in children’s homes as violent and challenging, stating, “When I would close my eyes to sleep at night, I always expected a punch to the face.”
In an interview for Melissa Fleming’s podcast Awake At Night, Perks shared how he maintained optimism despite his difficult upbringing, a mindset that continues to drive his advocacy work.
At the age of 15, a supportive teacher had a transformative impact on his life, helping him find direction and purpose. By 16, Perks was working as a full-time campaigner for the National Association of Young People in Care in London. He later worked in various roles, including as a television researcher for the BBC, before enrolling in university at the age of 21.
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.
Career
Benjamin Perks is currently the Head of Advocacy for Child Development and Protection and a Senior Advisor at UNICEF's global headquarters in New York. His work focuses on:
- Ending violence and neglect against children.
- Promoting universal access to parenting programs that foster attachment and responsive caregiving.
- Ensuring quality pre-school education for children aged 3–6.
In 2024, Perks organized the first-ever International Day of Play at the United Nations headquarters on June 11, following a UN resolution designating the day.
Previously, Perks served as UNICEF Representative to North Macedonia and Montenegro and, for extended periods, as acting head of the United Nations in both countries. His efforts in these roles contributed to:
- Ending institutional care placements for children under three.
- Scaling up access to pre-school education.
- Increasing the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream education.
Perks has also served as:
- Deputy Head of Mission in Kosovo and Georgia.
- Emergency Coordinator in Afghanistan and in India following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, where he organized the visit of UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Response, Bill Clinton.
In addition to his UN roles, Perks is:
- An Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Birmingham’s Jubilee Centre, which focuses on character development in education.
- An Associate Member of the Department of Social Policy and Innovation at the University of Oxford.
- A former trainer and facilitator for the United Nations Staff System College, specializing in human rights and policy-making.
He also completed a mid-career program at Harvard University on Advocacy for Education Reform.
Perks has also delivered a TED Talk titled "How Do We Stop Childhood Adversity from Becoming a Life Sentence", where he explores the long-term impacts of childhood adversity and offers strategies for prevention and healing. The talk emphasizes the importance of early intervention and public health approaches to reduce intergenerational trauma.
Authorship
In 2025, Benjamin Perks published Trauma Proof, a book that examines how childhood trauma impacts mental health, physical illness, and life outcomes. The book explores evidence-based strategies for healing and preventing trauma, with an emphasis on breaking intergenerational cycles through secure attachments and improved relationships.
Drawing from both professional research and personal experiences, the book has been noted for its accessible and practical approach to addressing trauma and resilience.
External Links
- Benjamin Perks official website
References
- https://www.spi.ox.ac.uk/people/ben-perks
- https://benjaminperksblog.home.blog/
- https://uacs.edu.mk/home/unicef-representative-to-macedonia-mr-benjamin-perks-msc-guest-lecturer-at-uacs-department-of-psychology/
- https://uacs.edu.mk/home/unicef-representative-to-macedonia-mr-benjamin-perks-msc-guest-lecturer-at-uacs-department-of-psychology/
- https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/education/perks-benjamin
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp0kV7JtWiE
- https://www.benjaminperks.com/traumaproof
- https://www.bonnierbooks.co.uk/books/ithaka/trauma-proof/