THE director of a leading Oxford University research institution is to take up a key role at the United Nations.
Oxford Martin School director Achim Steiner, also a Professorial Fellow at Balliol College, has been appointed Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, following his nomination by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The programme works in more than 170 countries to support sustainable development and democratic governance as well as eradicate poverty.
Mr Steiner said: “The opportunity to lead UNDP is a tremendous responsibility, particularly with the priority given by member states to delivery of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, which will be a key platform for addressing global priorities.
“We live in a time of significant challenges for international relations, for development finance and the environment.”
The programme is one of the world’s largest development agencies, with 8,000 staff and more than 4,700 projects worldwide.
It also administers the United Nations Volunteers programme, with 7,000 volunteers.
The Oxford Martin School addresses issues including climate change and inequality.
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