Mark Lowcock

Mark Lowcock

In May 2017, Mark Lowcock of the United Kingdom was appointed as the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs at the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and emergency relief coordinator. With over 30 years of humanitarian and development experience, Mr. Lowcock serves as the chief coordinator of the world’s humanitarian response in times of urgent crisis. In his most recent position, as permanent secretary for the Department for International Development, Mr. Lowcock led the United Kingdom’s humanitarian response to conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Libya as well as to natural disasters in the Philippines and Nepal.

Latest Articles

Opinion: What’s wrong with the humanitarian aid system — and how to fix it

Opinion: What’s wrong with the humanitarian aid system — and how to fix it

over 4 years ago // Humanitarian Aid

Outgoing Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock reflects on the biggest failings of the humanitarian system. A new independent commission to hold the system to account might help.

Opinion: The choice we face to get things back on track

Opinion: The choice we face to get things back on track

about 5 years ago // Humanitarian

Will 2021 witness the unraveling of 40 years of human progress — or will we put the necessary effort and money into getting things back on track? OCHA's Mark Lowcock discusses the urgent choices facing the international community.

Opinion: 3 ways to tackle our toughest humanitarian challenges

Opinion: 3 ways to tackle our toughest humanitarian challenges

about 7 years ago // Humanitarian

Conflict, financing gaps, and people displaced within their own countries are placing enormous demands on the humanitarian system. The United Nations' humanitarian relief chief explores how the international community should respond.

Opinion: This make-or-break moment in Iraq's history demands our best joint effort

Opinion: This make-or-break moment in Iraq's history demands our best joint effort

about 8 years ago // Iraq

Three humanitarian leaders say Iraq requires more than a humanitarian solution. It needs a roadmap for sustainable peace through development, conflict resolution, and reconciliation efforts.