The United Nations has appointed Tom Fletcher, a seasoned British diplomat, to the role of humanitarian chief, succeeding Martin Griffiths who stepped down due to health reasons. Fletcher, currently the principal of Hertford College, Oxford, and vice chair of Oxford University’s Conference of Colleges, will take over the position in the future, with Acting UN Humanitarian Chief Joyce Msuya remaining in the role until then. Fletcher expressed his gratitude to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the opportunity to serve, stating that he will defend the humanitarian community, humanitarian values, and the people they serve.
As a renowned diplomat, Fletcher brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the UK’s ambassador to Lebanon from 2011-2015, foreign and development policy adviser to three UK prime ministers from 2007-2011, and mediator on Northern Ireland. He has also held diplomatic posts in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, and has written several books on development, diplomacy, technology, and democracy, making him a well-known figure across the humanitarian and development sectors.
Fletcher’s extensive experience has given him a strong understanding of the importance of humanitarian work, having worked with various organizations, including the Global Business Coalition for Education, where he served as global strategy director from 2015-2019. As humanitarian chief, Fletcher will be responsible for leading the UN’s humanitarian efforts around the world, working with governments, organizations, and individuals to ensure that those affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises receive the support they need.
Tom Fletcher (Image via Getty)
The appointment of Fletcher is seen as a positive step forward for the UN’s humanitarian efforts, and he is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. His experience in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe has also given him a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by humanitarian workers in these regions. Fletcher’s background as a communicator, strategist, and diplomat will enable him to effectively coordinate and lead the UN’s humanitarian efforts, working closely with governments, organizations, and individuals to deliver lifesaving assistance to those in need.
UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq described Fletcher as an “internationally recognised communicator” with a blend of technocratic expertise and public diplomacy, highlighting his ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders and build partnerships to advance humanitarian causes. The appointment of Fletcher as humanitarian chief is a significant development for the UN, and he is expected to make a positive impact on the organization’s humanitarian efforts around the world.
Fletcher’s commitment to defending humanitarian values and the people they serve, as well as his extensive experience in international diplomacy and development, make him an excellent choice for the role of humanitarian chief. As he takes up his new position in the future, Fletcher will be expected to leverage his expertise to lead the UN’s humanitarian efforts and ensure that those affected by humanitarian crises receive the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
