💨 Abstract

The United Nations General Assembly appointed former Iraqi President Barham Salih as the new head of the U.N. refugee agency, the first from the Middle East since the late 1970s. The 65-year-old Kurdish politician, who has experience as a refugee and in crisis negotiation, will succeed Filippo Grandi starting January 1, 2026. Salih's term begins amid significant challenges, including record displacement and severe funding shortages due to reduced foreign aid.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff