• Barham Salih appointed as new UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
• First non-Western leader of the agency in nearly 50 years.
• Salih aims to enhance funding and address global displacement crises.
• UN refugee agency faces significant budget cuts and challenges.
• Salih's appointment reflects a shift in traditionally Euro-centric leadership.

Barham Salih, the former President of Iraq, has been appointed as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), marking a significant leadership change within the agency. Salih will take over from Filippo Grandi, who has held the position for nearly a decade, starting January 1, 2025, pending formal approval by the UNHCR committee, according to Reuters, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

Salih's selection is notable for being the first time in about half a century that a non-Western leader will head the UNHCR, a shift from its historical trend dominated by politicians from major European donor states. He has expressed a deep commitment to the agency's mission, stating, "I believe deeply in UNHCR's mission - because I have lived it," emphasizing his own experiences as a refugee escaping Saddam Hussein's regime. This appointment comes at a time when global displacement has reached record highs, further complicating the agency's operations as it faces severe budget constraints, as highlighted by Reuters and Le Monde.

The UNHCR has reported a nearly 20% cut to its budget for 2026, which is now set at $8.5 billion while also announcing job cuts of about 5,000 positions. This comes as the agency grapples with shifting funding priorities from key donors and an overall decline in contributions, especially under prior U.S. administrations that redirected resources to defense. Salih plans to pursue innovative funding, including tapping into Islamic finance and engaging private-sector partnerships, to address these financial challenges, according to Al Jazeera.

Competing against approximately a dozen candidates for the top position, Salih's candidacy highlights a broader dialogue about refugee issues and the increasing complexity of funding in an era of rising anti-immigration sentiments and restrictions on asylum in many Western countries. His leadership is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the UN's approach in addressing the needs of refugees globally, as reported by Reuters, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.