Tom Fletcher Takes Office as UN’s Chief of Humanitarian Affairs, Pledges to Uphold Global Solidarity
Tom Fletcher officially began his tenure as the United Nations’ (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator on Monday. He vowed to champion humanitarian principles and guide the UN’s efforts amidst escalating global challenges.
Appointed in October by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Fletcher previously served as the UK Ambassador and adviser to three British Prime Ministers. In his new role, he will oversee the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Fletcher succeeds Martin Griffiths, also from the UK, who stepped down in June due to health concerns. Joyce Msuya, the Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, served as interim head in the intervening months.
Acknowledging the formidable nature of his mission, Fletcher remarked, “The toll of conflict, climate change, inequality, and injustice on civilians is escalating at an alarming rate. I am committed to defending humanitarian values and advancing our movement to be more effective, inclusive, and innovative. The case for global solidarity must be continually reaffirmed.”
Before his appointment, Fletcher served as Principal of Hertford College, Oxford, and Vice Chair of Oxford University’s Conference of Colleges. He also brought transformative leadership to various organizations, including his tenure as Global Strategy Director at the Global Business Coalition for Education.
With an extensive diplomatic career, Fletcher has worked alongside the UN in regions including Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, notably leading the Middle East Peace Process for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
He is the 12th individual to hold this pivotal role since the establishment of OCHA, tasked with coordinating global humanitarian efforts.
