In a landmark development for international diplomacy, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Ambassador Rabab Fatima as the new Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS). This historic appointment, announced at the UN Headquarters, marks a significant milestone for the Bangladesh Foreign Service and the nation’s growing influence on the global stage.
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A Historic Milestone for Bangladesh
Ambassador Fatima’s elevation to this prestigious position is unprecedented. For the first time in history, a female diplomat from the Bangladesh Foreign Service has attained the rank of Under-Secretary-General. Furthermore, she now holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Bangladeshi official within the United Nations system.
The Bangladesh Mission to the UN noted that this appointment is a profound testament to the country’s active engagement in multilateralism and the international community’s high regard for the professionalism of Bangladeshi diplomats. Fatima succeeds Courtenay Rattray of Jamaica, who transitioned to the role of Chef de Cabinet.
A Distinguished Career in Diplomacy
With over three decades of experience, Ambassador Fatima brings an extraordinary depth of expertise to her new role. Her career has spanned bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, human rights advocacy, and complex programme implementation across several continents.
Key Professional Milestones:
| Period | Organisation / Role | Location |
| 2019 – 2022 | Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN | New York |
| 2016 – 2019 | Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan | Tokyo |
| 2015 – 2016 | Director-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Dhaka |
| 2012 – 2015 | Regional Adviser for Climate Change & Migration (IOM) | Geneva |
| 2007 – 2011 | Regional Representative for South Asia (IOM) | Various |
| 2006 – 2007 | Head of Human Rights, Commonwealth Secretariat | London |
Leadership for the Vulnerable
In her capacity as High Representative, Fatima will lead the office dedicated to supporting the world’s most vulnerable nations. These include 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), 32 Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and 38 Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Her mandate involves advocating for international support, mobilising resources, and ensuring that the specific developmental challenges of these nations—ranging from climate change to debt sustainability—remain at the forefront of the UN’s agenda.
Expressions of Gratitude
Upon her appointment, Ambassador Fatima expressed her deep appreciation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her unwavering support and trust. “I am profoundly grateful to the Prime Minister for providing me with the opportunity to serve as the Permanent Representative in New York,” she stated.
She also extended her thanks to Secretary-General Guterres, remarking, “I am honoured by the deep trust the Secretary-General has placed in me. This role is a significant responsibility, and I am committed to reflecting the confidence shown in me by advocating for the world’s developing and island states during these challenging times.”
Ambassador Fatima’s transition to this high-level executive role is seen as a victory for gender parity in international leadership and a clear signal of the vital role that South Asian diplomats play in shaping the future of global policy.
