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UN chief appoints new envoy for Haiti

Josette Sheeran, former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), briefs journalists at UN Headquarters in January 2010.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
Josette Sheeran, former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), briefs journalists at UN Headquarters in January 2010.

UN chief appoints new envoy for Haiti

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Josette Sheeran of the United States as his Special Envoy for Haiti, who will guide full implementation of the Organization's new approach to reducing the impact of cholera in the country and support national efforts on sustainable development.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Josette Sheeran of the United States as his Special Envoy for Haiti, who will guide full implementation of the Organization's new approach to reducing the impact of cholera in the country and support national efforts on sustainable development.

The new UN approach on cholera involves two tracks: the first to intensify efforts to reduce and ultimately end the transmission of the disease, improve access to care and treatment, and address the longer-term issues of water, sanitation and health systems.

Track 2 involves developing a package of material assistance and support for those Haitians most directly affected by cholera.

Ms. Sheeran, currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Society, previously served as the Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) from 2007 to 2012, where she also lead the agency's response in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the island nation in 2010.

She has also held senior positions at the World Economic Forum as well as in the US Government, including the Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs and Deputy US Trade Representative.