Addis Ababa: UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Dr. Catherine Sozi presented her credentials to Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E Ms. Hirut Zemene today.
Dr. Sozi is appointed by the UN Secretary-General and is the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system at the country level. On behalf of the United Nations system she is responsible for the coordination of operational activities to support Ethiopia in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent the United Nations in Ethiopia at this momentous period when its people and the government are taking a new path to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development while laying down the foundation for stronger democracy,” said Dr. Sozi.
She reiterated the commitment of the UN Country Team to fully align all its development activities to the priorities of the Government to ensure Ethiopia’s continuous progress towards the 2030 Agenda.
Dr. Sozi has devoted more than 30 years to public service. She previously served as the Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa at the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), working for 18 years as the UNAIDS Country Director for Republics of Zambia and South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.
Prior to joining the UN System in 2000, she worked with governments, the private sector and non-government organizations in the United Kingdom, Uganda and South Africa focusing on planning and delivering services to people.
A medical doctor, she has Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners in the United Kingdom and holds a post-graduate Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine degree (MBBS) from Saint Mary’s Hospital Medical School, University of London.