Polish journalist Szymon Hołownia appears on the short list of three candidates for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, according to *Rzeczpospolita*, with the Polish government stating it will not seek another post for him if he is not chosen.
Szymon Hołownia on a Short List for the UN
Journalists report that Hołownia has been placed among the three leading candidates for the position of UN High Commissioner for Refugees. This assessment is based on a statement from *Rzeczpospolita*. The report also notes that, should he lose, the Polish government will not pursue other diplomatic roles for him, contrary to earlier media speculation.
Who Will Finance Hołownia’s Trips?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to finance Hołownia’s travel to promote his candidacy, according to *Rzeczpospolita*. Several countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Albania, Slovenia, Croatia and Zambia, have already expressed support. The former Speaker of the Sejm announced on October 5 that efforts are underway to secure backing from Malawi, Vietnam and other ASEAN member states.
Hołownia: Chances Have Risen
Hołownia flew to Ethiopia on November 3 for a parliamentary visit and to strengthen Poland’s case for a Polish candidate in the UN refugee post. At a campaign conference on November 5, he expressed that the likelihood of his selection had increased significantly, adding that this was a sentiment shared by many observers.
Further Information
Additional details about Hołownia’s candidacy can be found in a separate article titled “Hołownia Signed Resignation. ‘I Leave with a Certain Nostalgia and Regret’.”