Addis Ababa, October 11, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices and Other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, has been elected First Vice Chairperson of the Bureau of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR during the closing session of its 76th meeting held in Geneva on October 10, 2025.
Ambassador Tsegab’s nomination by the African Group and endorsement by Norway reflected broad regional and international confidence in his leadership. The Bureau’s Chairmanship will be assumed by Ambassador Oike Atsuyuki of Japan.
Ambassador Tsegab had served as Second Vice Chairperson over the past year. In line with ExCom tradition, the position rotates from Second Vice-Chair to First Vice-Chair before the assumption of the Chairmanship, ensuring continuity and equitable regional representation within the Bureau.
In their statements, both the African Group and Norway commended Ambassador Tsegab for his valuable contributions to the Bureau’s work during the past year. They expressed confidence in his ability to further strengthen the Committee’s role, citing his proven leadership in Geneva’s multilateral settings, including as Chair of the UNDRR Support Group and Coordinator of the African Ambassadors Group on Health Issues.
Ethiopia’s election was also seen as a recognition of the country’s longstanding commitment to refugee protection and inclusion. As one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nations, Ethiopia has demonstrated strong solidarity with displaced communities and has been actively engaged in regional and international initiatives aimed at finding durable solutions to forced displacement.
The 76th Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, which convened in Geneva from October 6 to 10, 2025, officially concluded on Friday, the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva told Fana Media Corporation.