Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Martin Kimani was Tuesday elected as President of the Executive Board of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) for year 2023 by representatives drawn from 36 countries.
In a statement after landing the role, Kimani committed to prioritise development, enhance peace and protect human rights around the globe.
“I give thanks to the members of the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for honouring Kenya by electing me as President of the Board for 2023,” Kimani stated.
“Our aim is to give a political boost to development as fundamental to the UN’s other core missions to protect peace and human rights,” he added.
The executive board that he will lead is made up of representatives from 36 countries around the world who serve on a rotating basis.
It provides intergovernmental support and supervision for the activities of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS in accordance with the policy guidance of the UN General Assembly, the economic and social council, and the United Nations charter.
The board will also oversee and support the activities of UNDP, ensuring that the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of programme countries.
Kimani’s election came just days after Kenya completed her two-year tenure as Africa’s representative at the United Nations Security council (UNSC).
Prior to his election to lead the board, Kimani served as Director of National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC).
He also served as the President of the UN Security Council for the month of October, 2021.