KABUL – Mark Bowden of the United Kingdom arrived in Kabul today to take up the position of Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan.

In a brief comment upon his arrival, Mr. Bowden said he was excited to be in the country “at a very interesting time”.

Mr. Bowden, who replaces Michael Keating of the UK, brings to his new position extensive experience in development, recovery assistance and humanitarian coordination in conflict and post-conflict environments. He served as UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia before coming to Afghanistan.

“I know that I am working with a strong team both in UNAMA, the country team and the humanitarian side,” said Mr. Bowden, who will also serve as the Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan. “One of my expectations is to look forward to a very enriching and collaborative experience.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Mr. Bowden in September.

Mr. Bowden previously served as Director of Civil Affairs in the UN Mission in Sudan and as Chief of the Policy Development and Studies Branch in the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA). He also worked in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK and in the Save the Children Fund.

Related article:

Secretary-General appoints Mark Bowden of the UK Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan