10 April 2023
The Assistant Secretary-General for the Department of Safety and Security, Ms. Unaisi Vuniwaqa, participated in the High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM) at its forty-fifth session held in Amman, Jordan, from 2 to 4 April 2023. ASG Vuniwaqa attended discussions, especially those with a specific focus on disability inclusion strategies, updates on sustainability practices, efforts to address sexual harassment in the UN system, the conditionalities of funding, strategies related to diversity and inclusivity as well as occupational health and safety measures. During her official visit, her first to the region in her capacity as ASG UNDSS, ASG Vuniwaqa engaged with UN representatives from approximately 40 entities, such as ILO, FAO, WFP, UN-Habitat and UN Women, among others.
¡°The discussions on disability inclusion strategies were quite stimulating especially with insights from Member State interventions as well as Disability Representative Organizations to continue to inform new and ongoing UN Disability Inclusion strategies,¡± added ASG Unaisi Vuniwaqa.
ASG Vuniwaqa, along with HLCM members, also visited UNRWA camps, including clinics, workshops and schools, to get a closer look at UNRWA operations and the implementation of occupational health and safety measures, and disability inclusion on the ground.
¡°Despite the many challenges faced by the Refugees, it was encouraging to see the resilience they continue to demonstrate in such an environment,¡± stated ASG Vuniwaqa.
Designated Official, Ms. Sheri Ritsema Anderson welcomed the ASG and introduced her to the UNDSS team, where she expressed appreciation for their critical work in enabling the delivery of UN programmes and activities.
The HLCM meets once a year, meaning the next will be held in 2024, but may hold sessions more frequently if there is a common demand. The HLCM provides a critical opportunity for UNDSS to collaborate with other key administrative managers to identify, analyze and address administrative management issues of common concern. ASG Vuniwaqa then continued her programme in the region with field visits to Lebanon and Syria.