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UN's New India Chief Stefan Priesner Takes Charge, Vows Inclusive Development

Stefan Priesner has officially begun his role as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in India after presenting his credentials. He will lead the UN Country Team, guiding support for national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. Priesner brings nearly three decades of UN experience, having most recently served as Resident Coordinator in Iran. He expressed his commitment to working closely with the Indian government for inclusive and sustainable development.

Key Points: UN's New Resident Coordinator Stefan Priesner Begins Role in India

  • Leads UN Country Team in India
  • Supports Sustainable Development Goals
  • Brings 3 decades of UN experience
  • Presented credentials to Indian government
  • Previously served as RC in Iran and Malaysia
2 min read

Stefan Priesner begins role as United Nations Resident Coordinator in India

Stefan Priesner assumes office as UN Resident Coordinator in India, bringing decades of experience to support sustainable development goals.

"I am honoured to take up this responsibility in India... to support inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no one behind. - Stefan Priesner"

New Delhi, January 17

The United Nations in India announced Saturday that Stefan Priesner has assumed office as the UN's Resident Coordinator in India, after presenting his credentials to the Government of India, an official statement said.

As Resident Coordinator, Priesner will lead the work of the UN Country Team (UNCT) in India, supporting national development priorities and guiding progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a coherent and integrated UN response.

Priesner, who was appointed to the role by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, presented his credentials to the Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, during a ceremony in Delhi on Friday, as per the statement.

Speaking afterwards, Priesner said, "I am honoured to take up this responsibility in India, a country whose diversity, dynamism and history make it such a key partner of the United Nations. We at the UN are ready to work even more closely with the Government and other partners here to support inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no one behind."

Priesner brings nearly three decades of experience in international development, policy advisory and the management of complex, multi-sectoral programmes to the role. At the UN, he most recently served as Resident Coordinator in Iran (2021-2025), following an assignment as Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore (2017-2021). He was also Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan (2013-2017).

Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at UNDP, including Country Director in Bangladesh (2008-2012), Deputy Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2004-2008), Deputy Chief of the Sub-regional Resource Facility for South and West Asia in Nepal (2001-2004). Priesner started his UN career in 1997 with UNDP in Bhutan. Previously he worked in the private sector.

Priesner, a national of Austria, holds a master's in international relations from Johns Hopkins University in the US and a master's in law from the University of Vienna in Austria.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A very experienced diplomat. His work in Iran and Central Asia will be valuable. I hope the partnership strengthens our efforts in education and women's empowerment. The SDGs are crucial for our future. All the best! 🙏
R
Rohit P
Good to see a seasoned professional taking charge. However, I hope the UN's approach in India is truly collaborative and respects our national priorities and sovereignty. Sometimes international bodies can have a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't suit the Indian context.
M
Meera T
His background in Bangladesh and Nepal is very relevant for understanding regional development challenges. Wishing him a successful tenure. The focus on "leaving no one behind" is the key mantra for India's growth story.
S
Siddharth J
Nearly 30 years of experience! That's commendable. His private sector experience before the UN is also a plus. Hope he can help channel international expertise and funding into clean energy and climate resilience projects here. India has huge goals to meet.

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