By Ben Kerrigan-
The foreign office political director, Karen Pierce, has been appointed UK ambassador to the United Nations.
She is the first woman to be given the most prestigious post in the British diplomatic service since the UN’s formation in 1945. Her appointment is significant, particularly for many women who generally view the world of prestigious positions to be dominated by men. Pierce will take over in January, and succeeds 18 male postwar UK permanent representatives at the UN in New York.
This high-profile UN post will give her the flexibility to negotiate powerfully for Britain once the UK has officially deported from the EU. A representative of the UK at the UN, she is a prominent figure among top influential individuals in the political arena. She has also been active in her recent role as an advocate of the retention of the Iran nuclear deal- a role she has played in the U.S.
Pearce is a woman of varied experience and strong capabilities. She succeeds Matthew Rycroft, who returnS to the UK as permanent secretary to the Department for International Development. -The United Nations has an important important place at the heart of the UK as it attempts to retain a “special relationship” with the U.S. Nikki Haley, who will be Pearce’s counterpart in the White House is believed to be the sort of dynamic character that will gel well with Pearce. Pierce’s arrival also comes at a time when the effectiveness of the U.N is under greater question than ever. The Pierce said in an FCO statement: “The UK has long been a strong supporter of the UN and its role at the heart of the global rules-based international system, at a time when it is coming under challenge.Through our role as a permanent member of the security council and position as the UN’s third-largest donor, the UK will continue to work with others to tackle the pressing security, stability, development and prosperity challenges of today.”
Pierce’s appointment will motivate many ambitious women who feel restricted in their potential progress by a world of equally ambitious and powerful men who almost always seem to get the top posts. Her selection shows that the earnest and dedicated work of women never goes unnoticed, but is rewarded when the right times comes.