New York, August 20 –  Ms. Ulrika Modéer officially began her role today as UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy. In this role she will lead the organisation in nurturing and growing key relationships with Member States, and new and emerging partners, as well as lead UNDP’s communications and advocacy, as it works to realise the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“I welcome Ulrika to my senior leadership team and to her new role leading UNDP’s strategic partnerships with governments, civil society, and other key partners, as well as her vital role in leading UNDP’s communications and advocacy across the over 170 countries we serve,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.  “Ulrika’s many years of experience as a leader and champion for international development cooperation and experience in mobilizing key alliances and public support for the 2030 Agenda position her well to take UNDP’s relationships to new heights.”

Ms. Modéer’s new role will be at the Assistant Secretary-General level.

“I am both proud and excited to be joining UNDP at this time,” Ms. Modéer said. “UNDP is among the prime movers supporting countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Nothing could be more important given the challenges the world faces right now.

“I look forward to working with my dedicated colleagues around the world, Member States, civil society, the private sector and all development actors to strengthen our current alliances, and to build the new ones needed to ensure peace and prosperity for all.”

Ms. Modéer succeeds Michael O’Neill and Robert Piper who led the bureau during the interim transition period.

Ms. Modéer previously served as Sweden’s State Secretary for International Development Cooperation and Climate and has been instrumental in reshaping the country’s international development cooperation to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda

She combines a strong policy background with parliamentary and civil society experience, and has had several assignments in Latin America (Bolivia, Guatemala) and Africa (Mozambique/South Africa).

Ms. Modéer holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Born in 1969, Ms. Modéer is married with three children.

Contact Information: Anjali Kwatra, UNDP, +1 212 906 6389, Anjali.kwatra@undp.org.