Ban appoints Kobler as envoy in DR Congo

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Martin Kobler of Germany to head the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr. Kobler will serve as Mr. Ban’s Special Representative to the country and head the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

He will succeed Roger Meece of the United States, who will complete his assignment in July.

Since 2011, Mr. Kobler has been the top UN official in Iraq with the UN Assistance Mission there (UNAMI). He was previously the Deputy Special Representative with the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Prior to joining the UN, Mr. Kobler served for more than 25 years in his country’s foreign service.

Also today, Mr. Ban appointed Prince El Hassan Bin Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as the new Chairman of his Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB).

In welcoming Prince Talal, Mr. Ban lauded his leadership in championing global causes and in supporting inter-cultural dialogue.

Prince Talal has served as Chairman of the Policy Advisory Commission for the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and as a Member of the Board of the South Centre.

The Advisory Board was established in 2004 to advise Mr. Ban and galvanize action of governments and international organizations to advance the global water and sanitation agenda and help to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets on water and sanitation.

Water management is also an issue of central importance to Jordan, Mr. Ban said.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto was designated UNSGAB Chairman in March 2004. He served until his passing in 2006.

He was followed in December 2006 by Willem-Alexander, the Prince of Orange of The Netherlands. The Prince of Orange remained Chairman until 30 April this year when he assumed his duties as the King of The Netherlands.

In addition, Mr. Ban today announced the appointment of Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore, the current Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, as his Special Adviser of the Secretary General for Timor-Leste. Ms. Heyzer will carry out both functions concurrently.

According to Mr. Ban’s office, Ms. Heyzer will work closely with the Government and with the top UN humanitarian official in the country, as well as UN agencies, funds and programmes in Timor-Lest to support the country’s continuing efforts towards peace building, state-building and inclusive and sustainable development.