Szymon Hołownia Bids for UN Refugee Chief Role

The news in Polish

1. komisarz  (m.)
   Osoba piastująca funkcję nadzoru w określonym zakresie działalności. ↩︎
2. ekspert  (m.)
   Osoba mająca dużą wiedzę i doświadczenie w danej dziedzinie. ↩︎
3. sceptyczny
   Podchodzący do czegoś z niedowierzaniem lub niepewnością. ↩︎
4. doświadczenie  (n.)
   Praktyczna znajomość albo umiejętność wynikająca z wykonywania czegoś. ↩︎
5. dyplomacja  (f.)
   Sztuka prowadzenia negocjacji między państwami. ↩︎
6. stanowisko  (n.)
   Miejsce pracy lub funkcja, którą się zajmuje. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: Who supports Szymon Hołownia’s bid for the UNHCR Commissioner role?

Question 2: What is a concern that some experts have about Szymon Hołownia for the UNHCR role?

Vocabulary

Polish	English
komisarz  (m.)	commissioner
ekspert  (m.)	expert
sceptyczny	sceptical
doświadczenie  (n.)	experience
dyplomacja  (f.)	diplomacy
stanowisko  (n.)	position

Read the full story

Szymon Hołownia, the current **Marshal of the Polish Sejm**, has formally applied for the role of **United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)**. As the tenure of the incumbent, **Filippo Grandi**, concludes at the end of this year, Hołownia’s potential candidacy marks a significant move within international circles. If successful, he would be the first Polish individual to occupy this prominent position within the **UN** framework.

The UNHCR’s mandate involves addressing the needs of individuals displaced by **persecution, conflict, or violence**, providing them with necessary international protection and humanitarian assistance. Founded after World War II, the role has evolved to tackle global concerns, including modern migration crises, where leadership is crucial. The Commissioner’s responsibilities include managing an extensive workforce in over 130 countries and formulating policies to address emerging challenges such as **climate migration**.

Hołownia’s proposition has garnered support from notable Polish political figures, including **President Karol Nawrocki, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski**, all of whom have expressed their backing for his candidacy. Hołownia emphasized the importance of introducing a **Central and Eastern European perspective** to the UNHCR, which he believes could offer fresh insights and contributions.

Despite this local political backing, experts such as **Arkadiusz Modrzejewski** and **Dorota Heidrich** remain sceptical about Hołownia’s chances. They underline that his lack of formal diplomatic experience and absence of an academic background similar to past commissioners presents significant hurdles. This contrasts the experienced cadres of potential counterparts, including seasoned diplomats from countries like **Turkey and Switzerland**.

Nonetheless, Hołownia is confident in his humanitarian experience, having established international charities long before his foray into politics. His work with **Kasisi and Good Factory foundation** illustrates his long-standing commitment to aiding vulnerable populations, a passion he believes complements the UNHCR mission.

Aside from the professional implications, the position brings a commanding salary and several benefits, such as housing allowances and comprehensive health insurance. While financially rewarding, analysts argue that Hołownia’s pursuit is more a strategic career repositioning rather than a pursuit of remuneration.

With negotiations ongoing within the UN, it remains to be seen whether Hołownia’s candidacy will gain the needed endorsement from the **General Assembly and the Secretary-General’s recommendation**. Despite the challenges ahead, his move reflects both a personal aspiration and a wider political gesture.”

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