Uganda has assumed the presidency of the United Nations (UN) Women Executive Board for 2026, a move seen as a recognition of the country’s progress in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.
Uganda takes over from Sweden, whose presidency for 2025 was held by Ms. Nicola Clase, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations.
During her tenure, Clase focused on advancing women’s economic empowerment and approved the UN Women 2026–2029 Strategic Plan.
Accordingly, Ambassador of Uganda to the UN, Adonia Ayebare was represented at the handover by Minister Counsellor Celia Nabeta, will lead the board this year.
Following the formal transfer of leadership, a bureau meeting was held to highlight key priorities.
Members exchanged views on important agenda items, reaffirming their commitment to effective governance and the continued delivery of UN Women’s mandate.
The United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 64/289, established UN Women as the UN entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, bringing together the organisation’s activities across the UN system from 1 January 2011.
The General Assembly also created the UN Women Executive Board as the governing body to provide intergovernmental support and supervision of its operational activities.