The new United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon began her posting upon her arrival in Beirut, the UN said in a statement Monday night.
Joanna Wronecka will serve as the special representative of the United Nations secretary-general in Lebanon and head of mission of the United Nations office of the special coordinator for Lebanon.
Speaking upon her arrival at Beirut airport, Wronecka said she was honored to serve with the UN in Lebanon.
“I regret that the country is passing through this very challenging time and my thoughts are with all those who are struggling under the burden of the overlapping crises facing their country.”
Wronecka, who succeeds Jan Kubis’ two-year tenancy, was appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on April 1.
The Polish diplomat has over 25 years of experience in diplomacy, international security and Middle East affairs, having served in Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt among other nations.
She added, “I will work with all partners in Lebanon and the international community, and with the broader UN family, to support Lebanon and its people to strengthen democratic peace, security, stability and socio-economic development.”
Wronecka’s posting comes at a critical time for Lebanon, which is undergoing the biggest threat to its stability since the 1975-90 Civil War.
A severe economic collapse, combined with a political crisis has upturned livelihoods and plummeted over half the population into poverty, who face daily fuel, electricity, medicine and food shortages.
