Egypt's Rania Al-Mashat appointed UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary

UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment, highlighting Al-Mashat's extensive experience in economic policy, development finance, and international cooperation. Al-Mashat brings over 25 years of experience in macroeconomic policy, central banking, and multilateral development. Her work has focused on bridging policy, finance, and international partnerships, with an emphasis on sustainable development, climate finance, and inclusive economic growth.

Between 2018 and 2026, Al-Mashat served for eight years as a minister in Egypt's government, holding three key portfolios, including Egypt's first female minister of tourism, and roles in international cooperation and later planning, economic development, and international cooperation. Prior to her ministerial career, she was sub-governor for monetary policy at the Central Bank of Egypt and an adviser to the chief economist at the International Monetary Fund. ESCWA, headquartered in Beirut, is one of the UN's five regional commissions, fostering cooperation among 21 member states in the Middle East and North Africa.

The commission focuses on economic integration, inclusive development, and policy coordination in areas like climate change, fiscal policy, employment, and technological transformation. Al-Mashat holds a PhD an