American woman elected as first director of UN migration agency, replacing European boss.
Amy Pope of the United States has become the first woman to lead the International Organization for Migration (IOM), defeating IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino of Portugal, the European Union candidate. Pope, with strong backing from the Biden administration, won the first round on a 98-67 vote. After a lunch break, word emerged that Vitorino had pulled out of the race. His withdrawal paved the way for Pope to win by acclamation after member states decided to forgo what was suddenly a formality.
