Graduate's role in destruction of Syria's chemical weapons

Ms Kaag, who graduated with an MA in Politics and Economics of the Middle East, is the Special Coordinator of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)-United Nations Joint Mission in Syria.

“We had a very good discussion with Council members; questions were raised concerning staff safety and security and the possible anticipated role of the Joint Mission, obviously continued verification monitoring but also possibly support for implementation of the final phases of the overall plan,” she told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York.

Ms. Kaag told the Council of the progress to date “under difficult circumstances,” and stressed the need for future international assistance subject to the destruction plan to be approved by 15 November.

Prior to taking up her role as Special Coordinator, Ms Kaag was Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).