[PHOTOS] Monica Juma takes helm of UN anti-crime agency with pledge for safer world

Amb. Monica Juma at UN in Vienna./ COURTESY

Kenyan diplomat Monica Juma has officially assumed office as Director-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office at Vienna and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), pledging to lead global efforts against organised crime, corruption, terrorism and illicit drugs.

In her first statement after taking up the role, Juma said she was “deeply proud and honoured” to begin her tenure at the helm of one of the UN’s key agencies dealing with transnational crime and justice.

“I look forward to leading the UN’s work in addressing the challenges of drugs, organised crime, corruption and terrorism, for a safer and more just world,” she said.

Amb. Monica Juma at UN in Vienna./ COURTESY

Amb. Monica Juma at UN in Vienna. / COURTESY

Amb. Monica Juma at UN in Vienna. / COURTESY

Her appointment places Kenya at the centre of global conversations on international security, justice and crime prevention, with Juma now leading efforts to coordinate international responses to some of the world’s most pressing security threats.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime plays a central role in supporting countries to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism financing and corruption, while also promoting justice systems and the rule of law.

Juma, a seasoned diplomat and former Cabinet Secretary, brings decades of experience in governance, foreign affairs and international policy to the position.

Her elevation to the high-profile UN role marks another major milestone for Kenya’s presence in global diplomacy and multilateral leadership.

Juma studied at the University of Nairobi for her Bachelors of Arts in Government and Public Administration and Masters of Arts in Government and Public Administration and University of Oxford, Certificate in Refugee Studies and where she also attained her Doctorate of Philosophy in Politics.

Juma served as the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between January 2016 and February 2018.

She served as the Principal Secretary in the State Department of the Interior, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government. Prior to serving in the Ministry of Interior, Juma served as the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Defence.