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United Nations

Secretary-General Annan Nominates Ruud Lubbers as UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Thaurayu Ahmed Obaid as UNFPA Executive Director

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has nominated former Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers to replace the retiring Sadako Ogata as UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Lubbers, a 61-year-old Rotterdam native, served as Dutch prime minister from 1982 to 1994 and brings with him an "extraordinary record of high-level accomplishment." Annan has also named 25-year U.N. veteran Thaurayu Ahmed Obaid as Executive Director of the UNFPA, replacing the retiring Nafis Sadik of India. Obaid has an academic background in sociology and cultural anthropology and has a record of promoting reproductive rights for women and improving women's health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ruud Lubbers, a 61-year-old Rotterdam native, has been nominated as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, replacing Sadako Ogata.
  • Lubbers has an "extraordinary record of high-level accomplishment," including serving as Dutch prime minister from 1982 to 1994.
  • He has also held positions as Professor of Globalization at the Catholic University Brabant, chair of GLOBUS, and visiting Professor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
  • Thaurayu Ahmed Obaid has been named as Executive Director of the UNFPA, replacing Nafis Sadik of India.
  • Obaid has a 25-year career in the UN system, including two years with UNFPA, and has a record of promoting reproductive rights for women and improving women's health.
  • Obaid has an academic background in sociology and cultural anthropology and has been endorsed by the Saudi government.
  • Annan praised Obaid's commitment to promoting the rights of women and adolescent girls in order to safeguard their reproductive health.

Statistics:

  • Ruud Lubbers served as Dutch prime minister from 1982 to 1994, a total of 12 years.
  • Thaurayu Ahmed Obaid has 25 years of experience in the UN system.
  • Sadako Ogata will be replaced as UN High Commissioner for Refugees after 13 years in the post.
  • Nafis Sadik of India will be replaced as Executive Director of the UNFPA after 13 years in the post.

Sources:

  • U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's statement to reporters, October 25, 2001
  • Willian M. Reilly, "Annan Nominates Ruud Lubbers as UNHCR Commissioner and Thaurayu Ahmed Obaid as UNFPA Director"

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