Inger Andersen

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme

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Biography

Inger Andersen is Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Between 2015 and 2019, Ms. Andersen was the Director-General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Ms. Andersen has more than 30 years of experience in international development economics, environmental sustainability, strategy and operations. She has led work on a range of issues including agriculture, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, climate change, infrastructure, energy, transport, and water resources management and hydro-diplomacy.

Between 1999 and 2014, Ms. Andersen held several leadership positions  at the World Bank including Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa; Vice President for Sustainable Development and Head of the CGIAR Fund Council.

Prior to her 15 years at the World Bank, Ms. Andersen worked 12 years at the United Nations, first on drought and desertification, beginning with the UN Sudano-Sahelian Office. In 1992, she was appointed UNDP’s Water and Environment Coordinator for the Arab Region.

Ms. Andersen holds a Bachelors from the London Metropolitan University North and a Masters in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Staff Position Level: USG
Region: Western European & Others

Inger Andersen

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The Latest

Speech
Briefing to UN permanent missions in New York

Inger Andersen of UNEP says UNEA-6 highlighted global commitment to environmental action, emphasizing multilateralism and inclusive dialogue, and strengthening UNEP's role for sustainable development, during her briefing to UN Member States in New York. More

Speech
Inclusive multilateralism at UNEA-6 boosts environmental movement

UNEA-6 efforts led by Minister Leila Benali, wraps with gratitude for collective efforts in addressing planetary crises, with 15 resolutions and a ministerial declaration, covering critical areas like climate, conflict, and conservation, emphasizing collective action and multilateralism. Commitment to swift, impactful change echoed throughout the assembly, says UNEP Chief, Inger Andersen at the closing plenary session. More

Speech
Global Resources Outlook press statement by UNEP Executive Director

UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen, speaks at the launch of Global Resources Outlook 2024, highlighting the urgent need to address the triple planetary crisis through sustainable resource management and circular economy models. She emphasizes the benefits of decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental impacts. The report outlines actionable steps for achieving this goal, urging strong resolutions at the UNEA-6. More