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UNEP chief vies for top seat at UN refugee agency

Xinhua, October 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

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

In a statement released to the media recently, 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 Palestine agency UNRWA.

"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 said.

The UN General Assembly in 2006 approved the nomination of Achim Steiner as the UNEP Executive Director.

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.

"For now, I remain focused on my current role as UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Environment Program, and will continue to work with partners in that capacity towards a better future for the planet and its peoples," Steiner remarked. Enditem