NEW YORK, July 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global communications leader Porter Novelli has been named to the agency roster of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, charged with assisting in the development of a strategic communications plan to increase audience engagement and drive fundraising. Porter Novelli also will work with regional offices on local market visibility and event planning.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The provider of immunizations for more than one third of the world's children, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

"Porter Novelli stands out as a firm that understands how to reach new audiences in innovative ways," said Lisa Benenson, senior vice president, marketing and communications, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "We look forward to working with them as we engage with a new generation in order to grow our organization's reach and increase our ability to help children worldwide."

Added Karen van Bergen, CEO, Porter Novelli, "I am extremely proud for Porter Novelli to have been selected by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, as this assignment goes straight to the heart of our agency's foundation in social marketing. We have a long and proud history of influencing behavior for the better, and in particular making an impact on behalf of children's overall health and wellness through our support of campaigns related to vaccinations, HIV/AIDS and autism, among others. Now we look forward to helping develop a new generation of UNICEF supporters who will help the organization make an even greater impact on the lives of children everywhere."

Porter Novelli will collaborate with ID, a fully-integrated public relations agency, also retained by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. ID is home to an innovative group of communications strategists who offer a full range of services including media relations, creative marketing, branding and digital strategy. ID will help elevate UNICEF's relationships within the Hollywood community and expand its profile in both consumer and entertainment press, as well as oversee UNICEF's marquee special events.

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children's lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when ZERO children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

About Porter Novelli
Porter Novelli is one of the world's leading public relations agencies. With 90 offices in nearly 60 countries, Porter Novelli delivers best-in-class service to clients around the globe. As the agency that pioneered social marketing, Porter Novelli's heritage is grounded in influence - motivating people to change deeply ingrained behaviors that are rooted in cultural and social norms. This is achieved by identifying and activating against key insights that drive transformational change-- going beyond just "solving a problem". The result is greater than just influencing people - Porter Novelli makes them believe.

For additional information, please visit www.porternovelli.com. Porter Novelli is a part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc.

About Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

Contact:
Catherine Sullivan
Catherine.Sullivan@porternovelli.com
212-601-8315

SOURCE Porter Novelli