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New UN India Head: Why Stefan Priesner's Asian Experience Matters

Stefan Priesner is the new UN Resident Coordinator in India. He brings a wealth of experience from postings in Iran, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The role involves leading all UN agencies in the country and promoting development goals. In related news, a Nepalese general was appointed to command a UN peacekeeping force in Africa.

Key Points: Stefan Priesner Appointed UN Resident Coordinator in India

  • Stefan Priesner succeeds Shombi Sharp after a four-year UN posting in Iran
  • He began his 28-year UN career in Bhutan and served across South Asia
  • Priesner holds a law degree from Vienna and a master's from Johns Hopkins
  • The UN also appointed Lt Gen Ganesh Shrestha to lead the UNISFA peacekeeping force
2 min read

Stefan Priesner takes over as UN head in India 

Austrian diplomat Stefan Priesner takes charge as the UN's head in India, bringing nearly three decades of experience across South Asia and beyond.

Stefan Priesner takes over as UN head in India 
"The resident coordinator represents the UN at the highest levels of state and leads the representatives of UN agencies. - UN Description"

United Nations, Dec 3

Stefan Priesner of Austria has taken over as the UN’s head in India, according to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

Priesner, who assumed charge as UN Resident Coordinator in India on Monday, succeeds Shombi Sharp, who concluded a four-year stint.

After a four-year stint in the same position in Iran, he made the move to New Delhi.

He has wide experience in South Asia, having started his 28-year career with the UN in Bhutan, and served in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Priesner has also been the resident coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, and worked in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He has a law degree from the University of Vienna and a master's in international relations from Johns Hopkins University in the US.

The resident coordinator represents the UN at the highest levels of state and leads the representatives of UN agencies in the countries they are assigned to, while promoting the world organisation’s development agenda.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, Guterres appointed Lt Gen Ganesh Kumar Shrestha of Nepal as the new force commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

The Security Council created the UNISFA in 2011 to protect civilians in the Abyei area that straddles Sudan and South Sudan and is claimed by both countries.

Shrestha, who succeeds Maj Gen Robert Yaw Affram of Ghana, heads an operation with 3,250 troops and 640 police.

Recently, Shrestha was recently the Master General of Ordinance in the Nepalese Army Headquarters.

He has served with the UN peacekeeping as a sector commander UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting appointment. Coming from a posting in Iran to India is quite a shift. Hope he focuses on sustainable development goals that matter to ordinary Indians - education, healthcare, and climate resilience. The UN's role here is crucial.
R
Rohit P
Good to see someone with 28 years of UN experience. But I hope this isn't just another diplomatic posting. We need concrete action and partnerships, not just meetings and reports. The previous coordinator's tenure had mixed results, frankly.
S
Sarah B
Also noteworthy is the appointment of Lt Gen Shrestha from Nepal to lead the UN force in Abyei. South Asian leadership in global peacekeeping is growing. A positive sign for our region's role on the world stage.
V
Vikram M
His background in law and international relations from top universities is impressive. But real success will depend on understanding ground realities in Indian states. Hope he travels beyond Delhi and meets local communities.
K
Kavya N
Wishing him all the best! The UN has important programs here, especially for women and children. I hope he champions those causes effectively. Also, nice to see a focus on South Asia with the Nepal general's appointment too.

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