BD assumes UNHCR Bureau chair

Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Nahida Sobhan, formally assumed the role of chair of the four-member Bureau of the UNHCR Executive Committee (ExCom) on Tuesday

The country’s assumption of the chairmanship marks a significant milestone in its multilateral diplomacy. It is the first time the country has served in the ExCom Bureau since the Executive Committee became operational in 1959, , according to a message received on Wednesday.

Ambassador Sobhan’s nomination was endorsed unanimously by all 110 member states of the Executive Committee. Bangladesh emerged as the consensus candidate of the Asia-Pacific Group and was formally seconded by Algeria and Austria, representing different regional groups.

The election was seen as reflecting the international community’s confidence in Bangladesh’s leadership and its growing role within the multilateral system, the message said.

A career diplomat, Ambassador Sobhan has previously served in Bangladesh missions in Rome, Kolkata, and Geneva, and as ambassador to Jordan and high commissioner to Canada.

Bangladesh assumes the role at a critical time for the global refugee protection system, amid record levels of displacement, rising humanitarian needs, and growing funding constraints.