Rania Al-Mashat took the oath of office on Friday, 19 June 2026, before United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, assuming her duties as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

 

Following ceremony, Al-Mashat expressed her gratitude to the United Nations Secretary-General and the Commission’s Member States for the confidence they placed in her; assuming office at a pivotal moment, especially as the United Nations system undergoes significant reforms and structural transformations to respond to the demands of the current era, as well as the major political and economic challenges facing the international community.

 

As Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNESCWA, Al-Mashat outlined her vision and work plan for the period ahead, which aims to strengthen the Commission’s role in supporting national policies and development strategies across its Member States, while expanding regional cooperation and identifying broader areas of common interest among countries.

 

Al-Mashat highlighted several priorities that will guide UNESCWA’s work in the coming period:

 

·      Developing a regional narrative based on mutual benefit and the exchange of knowledge and experience among UNESCWA’s 21 Member States.

·      Expanding cooperation and integration among UNESCWA’s 21 Member States based on the principles of mutual benefit and regional value creation, particularly in an environment increasingly characterized by uncertainty and non-linearity. This includes highlighting successful models of cross-border cooperation, such as electricity interconnection projects, maritime transport networks, and other regional connectivity initiatives.

·      Reinforcing UNESCWA’s motto, “Shared Prosperity, Dignified Life,” by ensuring that the impact of policies is measured through tangible outcomes and their direct benefits to young people, women, and communities across Member States.

 

The UNESCWA is one of the United Nations’ five regional commissions. In her new role, Al-Mashat will lead the Commission’s efforts to support Member States in advancing inclusive development, strengthening regional integration, and promoting economic and digital transformation agendas in response to evolving regional and global challenges.