Delivering as One, a UN in China conversation presented by Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee: Episode 15 with Sherif Messiha, Regional Security Advisor of UNDSS Office in Beijing

In the fifteenth episode of the UN in China podcast, UN Resident Coordinator in China Siddharth Chatterjee sits down with Sherif Messiha, Regional Security Advisor of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) Office in Beijing.

Born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, Mr. Messiha has been inspired by his parents' message of helping others since childhood. His father's devoted police career also guided him to pursue a career in the same field. After graduating from the Police Academy of Egypt in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in both Police Sciences and Law, he began his career with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team combating terrorism and narcotics in Egypt. With a motivation to become an exceptional police officer, Mr. Messiha went back to further his education and pursue two master's degrees, respectively in Police Sciences from the Police Academy of Egypt and in Law from Cairo University.

His hard work and dedication led him to be seconded as a Police Adviser for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti in 2004, and he later joined the Department of Peace Operations as an Information and Strategic Analyst. During this time, he worked closely with Chinese peacekeepers and was impressed by their discipline and professionalism.

Later, Mr. Messiha helped establish the UN security section in Chad and joined the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Yemen, gaining extensive experience in conflict and high-risk areas. He then took on the responsibility for the security of UN personnel in India, Bhutan, and Algeria before being appointed as the Regional Security Advisor of the UNDSS Regional Office in Beijing in 2021, covering the safety and security of UN personnel in China, the Republic of Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, and Mongolia.

“We are enablers. No security without programme and no programme without security”

In this episode, Mr. Messiha sheds light on the crucial role of UNDSS in ensuring the safety and security of United Nations personnel, entities, and partners. UNDSS provides comprehensive security services, advice, and support to UN employees working on humanitarian, development and peacebuilding programs, as well as those engaged in research, advocacy and other initiatives. By prioritizing personnel safety and security, UNDSS helps to facilitate the effective implementation of UN programs and initiatives in the field, ultimately contributing to the well-being and development of the communities they serve.

During the conversation, Mr. Messiha highlights UNDSS's efforts in China to ensure the safety of UN personnel and their eligible family members, thereby enabling a secure and reliable environment for efficient programme delivery. Based on an understanding of the needs of all UN Agencies, Funds, and Programs in China, the team takes a tailored approach to provide situational awareness, security advice, and risk mitigation alternatives and to inform the Designated Official for Security and the Security Management Team’s security decision-making.

They work in close collaboration with the Chinese government to deliver routine security and incident response tasks, as well as longer-term projects related to their areas of responsibility. By managing existing security risks and anticipating potential concerns, UNDSS plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and success of UN programs in China.

Together with the Resident Coordinator, the two discuss other challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, particularly in the areas of income inequality, the ageing population, and regional development disparity as well as UNDSS’s work in China to leave no one behind and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as part of the UN system in China.

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Siddharth Chatterjee

Siddharth Chatterjee took office as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China on 16 January 2021 and is the designated representative of - and reports to - the UN Secretary-General. He presented his letter of credence to the President of China on 14 April 2021.

Mr. Chatterjee has more than 25 years of experience in international cooperation, sustainable development, humanitarian coordination and peace and security in the United Nations and the Red Cross movement. He has served in many fragile and war-torn countries all over the world.

A 3 times TEDx speaker, he is a regular opinion contributor on humanitarian and development issues for a range of journals which includes Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, Reuters, Huffington Post, Forbes, CNN, Al Jazeera, the Guardian and as of late has also published in mainstream Chinese journals.

Mr. Chatterjee holds a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton University in the United States of America.

Sherif Messiha

Mr. Sherif Messiha of Egypt, the Regional Security Advisor of UNDSS Regional Office in Beijing, arrived in China in May 2021.

Mr. Messiha holds two master’s degrees both in Law and in Police Sciences. He has extensive law and police experience from Egyptian Police. In 2004 he was assigned to Haiti as a police Adviser (UNPOL-MINUSTAH HQ). In 2006 he started his UN career with the DPKO, MINUSTAH, Haiti as an information and strategic Analyst. In 2008 he was assigned to start up the DPKO security section in Chad (Abeche—NINURCAT). In 2009 he joined UNDSS Yemen as Field Security Coordination Officer. In 2012 he became the Field Security Coordination Officer for India and Bhutan. He had been the Security Advisor for Algeria since May 2015.