Thursday, June 30, the Swedish Ulrika Richardson, the new Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti (replaces French Bruno Lemarquis who has just completed his mission) met with the Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry, for the first time since her arrival in Haiti the previous week.

During their conversation Ms. Richardson outlined her vision to strengthen UN support by working "hand in hand with national authorities and civil society to address the structural and systemic causes of development deficits in Haiti."

It should be recalled that the United Nations is currently working with the Haitian authorities on the drafting of a new cooperation framework for sustainable development, which will define the way in which the United Nations, the Haitian Government and partners will work together over the next five years in development, humanitarian and political fields.

Richardson quoting a Creole expression "Piti piti zwazo fè nich li" (little by little the bird makes its nest) said she wanted to spend time learning about the challenges facing the country, but also its rich and beautiful culture.

Learn more about Ulrika Richardson :

Mrs. Ulrika Richardson, has devoted more than 30 years to international cooperation. Most of her professional life has been devoted to international civilian service in the field through the United Nations, primarily in West and Central Africa, the Caribbean as well as in the Western Balkans and South Eastern Europe. Ms. Richardson has extensive development, conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian experience in a wide range of complex political, socio-economic, fragility and human rights contexts, with a strong track record defending the rights of women and children. She is also known for her in-depth knowledge of the multi-dimensional challenges facing small island developing states.

Richardson has extensive experience in international affairs and development cooperation, having served as Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Gabon (2012-2013), Deputy Resident Representative in Turkey (2007- 2012) and in Cuba (2004-2007),

She holds a master's degree in development economics from the University of Gothenburg and a bachelor's degree in social sciences from Lund University, both in Sweden. She is fluent in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.

S/ HaitiLibre