UNHQ-New York: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has designated Sigrid Kaag of the Netherlands as the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority (UNSCO) ad interim.
Ms. Kaag succeeds Tor Wennesland of Norway, to whom the Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for his dedication and leadership during a particularly challenging period.
Her new role will be concurrent with her existing mandate as the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2720 (2023).
Bringing extensive experience in political, humanitarian, and diplomatic affairs, Ms. Kaag has held numerous high-level positions within the United Nations and the Dutch government. Most recently, she served as Deputy Prime Minister and the first female Minister of Finance of the Netherlands (2022–2024). She previously held roles as Minister for Trade and Development Cooperation (2017–2021) and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2021).
Within the UN system, Ms. Kaag has served as Special Coordinator for Lebanon (2015–2017), Special Coordinator of the Joint Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the UN Mission in Syria (2013–2015), and Assistant Secretary-General with the UN Development Programme (2010–2013). She also held leadership positions with UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Ms. Kaag holds advanced degrees in Middle East Studies and International Relations from the University of Exeter and Oxford University, respectively, and a Bachelor’s degree from the American University in Cairo. She is fluent in six languages: Dutch, German, French, English, Spanish, and Arabic.
Her appointment comes at a critical time for regional diplomacy, with ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian and political challenges in the Middle East.
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