The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, visited Germany for the second time in 2022 and highlighted the growing humanitarian needs of Palestine refugees living in a highly volatile region.

UNRWA said in a press release issued on Friday that Lazzarini met with newly-appointed German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and senior staff of the Ministry.

During her February visit to the Palestine refugee camp of Talbieh in Jordan, Minister Baerbock witnessed in-person the vital services provided by UNRWA. At their meeting, Lazzarini had the opportunity to provide further information on the many innovations that the Agency is spearheading, such as making the best use of digitalization for effective service delivery and the newly created Women Advisory Forum, that supports promoting gender parity and a gender-sensitive organizational culture.

Lazzarini said: “We are extremely grateful for the lasting and continued support from Germany to Palestine refugees. The Agency is constantly adapting to best to fulfil its mandate and is now undertaking a comprehensive modernization and digital transformation strategy. UNRWA has also stepped-up efforts to improve environmental and social sustainability, including energy efficiency.”

As part of this mission, Lazzarini also held meetings with key Members of Parliament from the Greens, including Deborah Düring, Speaker for Development Policy, Lamya Kaddor, Speaker for Near East Affairs and Boris Mijatovic, Speaker for Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid. This exchange was an opportunity for Lazzarini to highlight the relevance of crucial UNRWA services in education, health and social services, as well as the Agency's commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. 

Lazzarini concluded his visit with a meeting with the Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, Ambassador Christoph Heusgen. The discussion focused on the Agency’s role as a key contributor to regional stability and peace in a region confronted with multiple conflicts and crises.