Bureau of the UN-Women Executive Board

The Bureau of the UN-Women Executive Board is constituted by a President and four Vice-Presidents. Each member of the Bureau represents one of the five regional groups, and is elected by the Executive Board each year from among its members, with the presidency rotating among the regional groups on an annual basis. Each group holds the presidency once during a period of five years.

2013 Bureau of the Executive Board

President
H.E. Mr. Normans Penke, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Latvia

Vice-Presidents

• Ms. Janet Karim, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Malawi
• Mr. Junichi Sumi, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Japan
• Ms. Elisa Díaz Gras, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Mexico
• Mr. Vincent Herlihy, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Ireland

The Bureau coordinates closely with the Secretary of the Executive Board to fulfill the primary functions that include preparation and organization of Board meetings, facilitation of transparent decision-making and promotion of dialogue between UN-Women and the Member States. Members of the Bureau coordinate informal consultations within their respective regional groups helping to highlight the issues and recommendations that require consideration and action by the Board.

Although the Bureau does not have the authority to make decisions on substantive matters, its work is indispensable to the smooth and efficient functioning of the Board. The Bureau considers issues related to the agenda of the meetings, documentation and the structure of meetings. Members of the Bureau usually meet on a regular basis, and daily during the Executive Board sessions.

The Bureau coordinates with the Bureau of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and other governing bodies of UN operational entities, especially on joint reporting to the ECOSOC Operational Activities Segment, in accordance with A/RES/48/162 indicating the oversight functions of ECOSOC.