Ambassador William Swing
The Candidate for Change at IOM Garners Support in Geneva

Ambassador William Swing, the official United States government candidate for Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), visited Geneva this week where he met with almost 50 Permanent Representatives to make the case for change in leadership at IOM.  Ambassador Swing received commitments and expressions of support from IOM member state representatives from every regional group and every corner of the globe.  We welcome this significant and growing body of support of Ambassador Swing's candidacy to become the next Director General at IOM.

Ambassador Swing said, "I am most grateful to all the Permanent Representatives who shared their valuable time to meet with me. I have taken very seriously their views and concerns.  I pledge that this is just the beginning of what will be an ongoing dialogue with member states on global migration issues that impact us all."

As one of the preeminent international civil servants on the world stage today, Ambassador Swing will bring a much-needed renewal of leadership at IOM.  A two-time UN Special Representative and six-time U.S. Ambassador, Swing is widely known for his consultative style and unmatched skills at managing large and complex operations.  Under Ambassador Swing’s leadership, member states can look forward to an IOM based on consultation, professional and transparent management, and an IOM known for collaboration -not competition- with other International Organizations. 

We note that at IOM Council member states have approved a two-term limit for the Director General, which is now in the process of ratification.  Fifty states have joined the United States in ratifying this amendment.  Under these circumstances, it is inconsistent with principles of good governance for the incumbent Director General to seek a third term, particularly against the wishes of his own government. 

Ambassador Swing is the right person to lead IOM.  He has twice served as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General; in the Western Sahara and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he managed and led the largest and most complex UN peacekeeping operation ever.  In addition, he has served with high distinction as an Ambassador of the United States six times, under both Democratic and Republican leadership – in the Republic of the Congo, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ambassador Swing will return to Geneva in the near future to continue his meetings and discussions with member states on IOM’s future leadership on global migration issues.