Kenya's Amb. Martin Kimani elected to lead global Executive board

Kenya's Permanent representative to the UN Ambassador Martin Kimani. [File, Standard]

Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Martin Kimani was on Tuesday, January 10, 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.

The board comprises of representatives from 36 countries 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 Ambassador Kimani-led board will oversee and support the activities of UNDP, ensuring that the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of programme countries.

The election of Kimani, who previously served as Director of National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) came just days after Kenya completed her two-year tenure as Africa’s representative at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The envoy has been a key voice in discussing measures to end the conflict in Ukraine.

On February 22, 2022, Kimani was lauded globally after he issued a strongly worded speech that condemned Russia for attacking Ukraine.

Kimani also served as the President of the UN Security Council for the month of October, 2021.