Una McCauley, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, passed away at the age of 54 on Friday night, the UN office in Sri Lanka said in a statement.
According to the statement, she was on medical leave and undergoing treatment prior to her sudden death. McCauley, a national of Ireland and the United Kingdom, was the first UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.
“Ms. McCauley was a bold, inspiring, and strong leader. As the most senior UN Official in the country, Ms. McCauley led the UN Country Team of 21 Resident and Non-Resident UN Agencies and acted as the representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sri Lanka. She was a passionate and caring humanitarian and dedicated her life to serve people of the world,” the UN, mourning her death, stated in a media release.
McCauley served in Sri Lanka for six years, two years as UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative and four years as the UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka. Previously, she has worked as the UNICEF Representative for Panama and Togo and at the UNICEF offices in Sudan, Kenya, and Angola.
McCauley recorded 17 years of service in the United Nations and another seven working with children in the development sector. She was instrumental in developing policies and strategic frameworks on leading global issues in a number of countries, the statement said.
“The United Nations Family will miss her dearly, especially her humility, passion, energy, sense of humour and unwavering commitment to make lives better for all. Our deepest condolences are shared with her family. Dear Una, we miss you,” the statement further said.
Issuing a special statement addressing the General Secretary of the United Nations, President Maithripala Sirisena extended the deepest condolences of the Sri Lankan government on the passing of Una McCauley. “Ms. McCauley was a deeply committed professional. She worked with such dedication, understanding and empathy for those she served. She embodied the UN’s vision and worked with determination and compassion to support Sri Lanka’s social and economic progress and to advance reconciliation and promote and protect the human rights of all,” President Sirisena’s statement said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a media release on McCauley’s sudden passing away stated, “Her wisdom, energy, inspiration and goodwill that guided the UN-Sri Lanka partnership will always be valued and remembered. A humanitarian and an optimist, she encouraged all to look to the future with a vision for unity and human dignity. Her presence will be deeply missed by all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As we strive to come to terms with her passing, our deepest condolences are shared with her family.”
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