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UNEP chief vies for top seat at UN refugee agency

Xinhua, September 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Executive Director of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Achim Steiner has formally declared his intention to vie for the top seat at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

In a statement released to the media on Monday, Steiner revealed he had already submitted his credentials to the UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon.

"I can confirm I have submitted my candidacy to the Secretary General for the post of UN High Commissioner for Refugees. I also acknowledge with gratitude that my candidacy has been endorsed by the German government," Steiner remarked.

Among other competitors for the UNHCR top position currently are Denmark former Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and Italian diplomat Filippo Grandi, a former leader of UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The UN General Assembly in 2006 approved the nomination of Achim Steiner as the UNEP Executive Director to serve for a four-year term.

Later in 2010, Steiner's helm at the UN environmental body was extended up to June 2016.

As a German national, Steiner has worked in a number of global bodies that deals with conservation and water resources management.

He has a wealth of experience in global environmental policy and sustainable development.

"Having worked my whole life in international development, policy and diplomacy, I have put forward my name with the strong belief that I can make a positive difference to the millions of women, men and children who look to UNHCR and UN as often their last and best hope for protection and support," Steiner intoned.

He expressed confidence the selection of the next head of UN refugee agency will be above board despite the stiff competition for the plum job.

Since his term at the Nairobi based UN environment body has not expired, Steiner said he will continue to discharge his current duties to advance the global environmental agenda. Endit