Rania Al-Mashat has taken the oath of office as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
Al-Mashat assumed her duties on Friday, 19 June 2026, after taking the oath before United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Following the ceremony, Al-Mashat expressed her gratitude to the Secretary-General and the commission’s member states for the confidence placed in her. She stated that she is assuming office at a pivotal moment, particularly as the United Nations system undergoes significant reforms and structural transformations to respond to the demands of the current era, alongside major political and economic challenges facing the international community.
In her role as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary, Al-Mashat outlined a vision and work plan aimed at strengthening the commission’s role in supporting national policies and development strategies across its member states. The plan also focuses on expanding regional cooperation and identifying broader areas of common interest among countries.
Al-Mashat highlighted several priorities that will guide the work of UNESCWA, which is one of the United Nations’ five regional commissions. These priorities include developing a regional narrative based on mutual benefit and the exchange of knowledge and experience among the commission’s 21 member states.
She noted that the commission will seek to expand cooperation and integration among its 21 member states based on the principles of mutual benefit and regional value creation, particularly in an environment increasingly characterised by uncertainty and non-linearity. According to Al-Mashat, this strategy includes highlighting successful models of cross-border cooperation, such as electricity interconnection projects, maritime transport networks, and other regional connectivity initiatives.
Additionally, Al-Mashat stated her intention to reinforce the commission’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.
As Executive Secretary, 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.
