Secretary-General Expresses ‘Utmost Gratitude’ to Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos Following Her Decision to Step Down

The following statement by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was issued today:

Valerie Amos has informed me of her intention to step down as United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.  I would like to express my utmost gratitude for her outstanding service to the United Nations, the humanitarian community and people in need.

Ms. Amos has led the humanitarian response of the United Nations and partners, including non-governmental organizations, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, national authorities, civil society, the private sector and many others, to devastating natural disasters and conflicts.  Her extensive experience, leadership and work in partnership with principals from the humanitarian community has helped find solutions for people who are facing the worst experiences in their lives.

Ms. Amos has tirelessly advocated for people around the world affected by disaster and conflict.  For her, people have always come first.  She also worked closely with humanitarian workers who often risk their own lives to serve people most in need.

At a time when the humanitarian system is particularly stretched, Ms. Amos also led the preparations for my World Humanitarian Summit to be held in 2016, which will identify new ways to tackle humanitarian needs in our fast-changing world and set a new agenda for global humanitarian action.