New York, 16 March 2006 - The General Assembly, acting
upon the nomination of Secretary-General Kofi Annan, today
unanimously elected Achim Steiner of Germany as the new
Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) for a four -year term, effective 15 June 2006.
Mr. Steiner, who is currently the Director-General of the
World Conservation Union (IUCN), will succeed Klaus Toepfer,
who has served the UN for more than eight years, and become
the fifth Executive Director in UNEP's history. Out-Going
Head of UNEP Salutes In-Coming One
Nairobi, 16 March 2006 - Warm congratulations were today
issued by Klaus Toepfer, the outgoing head of the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to his elected successor.
Today the General Assembly of the United Nations approved
the recommendation of Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General,
and elected Achim Steiner of Germany as the next UNEP Executive
Director.
Mr Steiner, currently Director General of the World Conservation
Union (IUCN), is expected to take up his appointment on
15 June. He will become UNEP’s fifth Executive Director
since the organization was established in the early 1970s.
Mr Toepfer described his successor as “an outstanding individual
among a field of outstanding candidates. I am delighted
that Achim Steiner has accepted this important international
post at an organization that has a key role in delivering
sustainable development, fighting poverty, realizing social
justice and achieving stability in the 21st century”.
“I am convinced that choosing Achim Steiner will prove to
be a great decision bringing youth, dynamism, intellect
and a deeply held commitment to environment and sustainable
development issues,” said Mr Toepfer.
“In addition, his breadth of experience with intergovernmental
organizations and negotiations, civil society, scientists
and private business will build on UNEP’s evolving networks
with and beyond governments,” he added.
Mr Toepfer added: “On a personal note, I would like to add
that I have know Achim Steiner for many years and consider
him a good and solid friend whose charm, sense of humour
and warmth will stand him in good stead over the challenging
years ahead”.
Mr Toepfer steps down on 31 March after completing just
over two four year terms as UNEP Executive Director.
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