Ms. Rania A. Al-Mashat of Egypt – Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
UN SG appoints Rania A. Al-Mashat of Egypt as the next Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
United Nations, New York City
Sphinx News: Ahmed Ali
With the announcement confirmed on Monday, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Rania A. Al-Mashat of Egypt as the next Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
Succeeding Rola Dashti of Kuwait, Ms. Al-Mashat has an extensive background in economic diplomacy, bringing over 25 years of experience in macroeconomic policy, central banking and monetary policy frameworks, sustainable economic and social development, structural and institutional reform, development cooperation, development and climate finance, and driving climate action and gender equality through international cooperation and partnerships.
Among her most notable credentials, Ms. Al-Mashat served for eight consecutive years (2018–2026) as Minister for Egypt across three key sectors: Tourism (first female), International Cooperation, and Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation.
Additionally, Ms. Al-Mashat served as Sub-Governor for Monetary Policy at the Central Bank of Egypt (2005–2016), playing a pivotal role in transitioning banks to a more modern monetary policy strategy. Her experience also includes working as Advisor to the Chief Economist and Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. (2016–2018 and 2001–2005).
With regard to her notable associations and memberships, Ms. Al-Mashat has been a board member and advisory member of several international alliances, international financial and development institutions, including the World Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank.
Ms. Al-Mashat also brings a strong educational background, holding a PhD in Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, and a BA in Economics from the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Intensive educational programs have also shaped the experience and career of Ms. Al-Mashat, including completing programs in Leadership and Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, USA, and Transformational Leadership from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, United Kingdom.
