American DiCarlo becomes first female UN political chief

Long-serving American diplomat Rosemary DiCarlo was on Wednesday appointed to become the first woman to head UN political affairs, one of the most high-profile positions at the world body. DiCarlo will replace Jeffrey Feltman, another American who held the post of under-secretary-general for political affairs since 2012, overseeing UN efforts to end conflicts worldwide.
A former deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, DiCarlo "brings more than 35 years of experience in public service and academia," a UN statement said, announcing the appointment. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made gender parity a priority at the United Nations and the appointment marks the first time in the world body's history that a woman will hold the senior position.