Uganda's new UNFPA country director accredited
Mar 10, 2017
In a press release by the Ministry of foreign affairs Sibenaler expressed his pleasure at the new post appreciating the tremendous support the Government of Uganda had extended to his predecessors.
Sam Kutesa (L) receives Alain Sibenaler credentials on Friday. Photos by Geoffrey Mutegeki
The new Country Representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to Uganda Alain Sibenaler has been accredited after presenting his letter of credential to Sam Kutesa, the Minister of Foreign affairs.
Sibenaler, replaces, Esperance Fundira who was posted to UNFPA South Sudan Country Office.
On Friday Kutesa received Sibenaler's credentials at the Ministry's headquarters in Kampala.
In a press release by the Ministry of foreign affairs Sibenaler expressed his pleasure at the new post appreciating the tremendous support the Government of Uganda had extended to his predecessors.
He further expressed gratitude to president Museveni for his commitment to different aspects of family planning and selected reproductive rights.
Kutesa welcomed Sibenaler, and explained to him how UNFPA has distinguished itself as a useful partner to Uganda.
"Uganda's young population and large numbers, whilst recognized as an asset, raise their own challenges," Kutesa says.
He believes that the partnership with UNFPA would focus on taking advantage of the roadmap offered in the AU Agenda 2063 theme of Harnessing the Demographic Dividend.
Sibenaler who was flanked by Miranda Tabifor, the UNFPA deputy country director agreed that Uganda is one of the few countries where the link between the peace dividend and the demographic dividend are apparent.
He noted that his priorities will be on reducing maternal health, ensuring women's rights are respected and working; very closely, young people on issues that directly concern them.
Mr Sibenaler, a national of Luxembourg has worked in the UN system since 1996 and holds various degrees from the University of Montepellier III, the University of Paris and University of Stellenbosch specializing in Migrant Labor, Political Science and Management. He has previously served as UNFPA Country Representative in Sri Lanka and Cameroon, UNFPA Country Director in the Maldives, and as Deputy Representative in Afghanistan.
The main objective of the UNFPA in Uganda is to deliver a world in which every pregnancy is wanted, every child birth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.