Laing served as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, from November 2018 to April 2023. She was previously the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe from 2014 until 2018.
United Nations
Catriona Laing has been named as the United Nations Secretary-General’s new Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
According to a UNSOM, Laing succeeds James Swan of the United States, to whom the Secretary-General expresses gratitude for his dedication and steady leadership of UNSOM during his tenure.
Laing Twitted on Thursday, “I am delighted to be taking up the role of UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia.”
She has over 35 years of experience in diplomacy, development, and international relations, including work in several ministries of the United Kingdom government at the national and international levels.
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Laing served as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, from November 2018 to April 2023. She was previously the British Ambassador to Zimbabwe from 2014 until 2018.
In addition to her diplomatic roles, Laing has worked in government policy and international development.
Most notably as Deputy Head of the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit (2000-2004), Director for Human Rights at the Ministry of Justice (2009-2012), and Head of Sudan’s Department of International Development (2006-2009).
From 1993 to 1994, she led the United Nations Development Office in Somalia.
Catriona Laing earned an MSc in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.
