Monica Juma takes oath for top UN role in Vienna

Monica Juma has officially assumed her new role as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) after taking her oath of office before UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, Juma said she had taken the oath before the UN chief and pledged to carry out her duties in line with the principles of the United Nations.

"Today, I had the honour of taking my oath of office before UN Secretary-General António Guterres as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of UNODC," Juma said.

She said the occasion underscored the responsibilities associated with international civil service and the trust placed in those serving within the UN system.

"In taking this oath, I am reminded that international civil service is, above all, a commitment to people. As I solemnly declared my dedication to carry out these functions with integrity, impartiality, and the utmost regard for the purposes and principles of the United Nations, I reflected on the responsibility that comes with this trust," she said.

Juma said she would undertake her new responsibilities with humility and a sense of duty while working with colleagues and partners across the United Nations system and beyond.

"I step into this role with humility, gratitude and a profound sense of duty, and look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the UN system, and the world to advance peace, security, justice and the rule of law, for a more prosperous and dignified future for all," she said.

The United Nations Office at Vienna serves as one of the UN's major duty stations, while UNODC works on issues related to crime, justice and international security.