New York, USA – Uganda has officially assumed the Presidency of the United Nations (UN) Women Executive Board for 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s sustained commitment to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls globally.
The election took place on 12 January 2026 during the first official meeting of the UN Women Executive Board for the year. By acclamation, Member States elected H.E. Dr. Adonia Ayebare, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations, as President and Chairperson of the Board. His election follows the rotational system among regional groups that governs leadership of the Executive Board.
The UN Women Executive Board serves as the governing body for the organization’s operational activities, providing strategic direction, policy guidance, and oversight to ensure effective delivery of its mandate. The Board is composed of 41 Member States elected by the UN Economic and Social Council for three-year terms, based on equitable geographical distribution. These include representatives from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe and Other States, as well as top contributing countries.
For 2026, the Bureau of the Executive Board comprises four officers representing different regions. In addition to President Ayebare, the Vice Presidents elected are H.E. Ms. Suela Janina, Ambassador of Albania; H.E. Ms. Sophie de Smedt, Ambassador of Belgium; and H.E. Ms. Aida Kasymalieva, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan. Together, the Bureau will guide the work of the Board throughout the year.
Uganda takes over the presidency from Sweden, whose 2025 tenure was led by H.E. Ms. Nicola Clase, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations. Sweden’s leadership was notable for its strong focus on women’s economic empowerment and for steering the approval of the UN Women Strategic Plan for 2026–2029.
Ambassador Ayebare was represented at the official handover ceremony by Minister Counsellor Celia Nabeta. Following the transition, a Bureau meeting was convened to discuss key priorities, exchange views on critical agenda items, and reaffirm collective commitment to effective governance and accountability.Established by UN General Assembly Resolution 64/289, UN Women has been operational since 1 January 2011 as the UN entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Uganda’s presidency of the Executive Board in 2026 presents a significant opportunity to strengthen global partnerships and accelerate progress for women and girls worldwide.
