Stefan Liller Presents Credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Assumes Office as UNDP Resident Representative in China

July 14, 2026

On 14 July, Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China, presented his credentials to Bai Tian, Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officially assuming his post as UNDP Resident Representative in China. The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving landscape of international development cooperation and on further deepening practical cooperation between UNDP and China across various sectors.

Two men in suits exchange a light blue certificate in front of a carved wooden panel.

Photo of suited professionals around a long wooden conference table in a wood-paneled room.

On the same day, Mr. Liller met with Lin Feng, Director-General of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce. As UNDP’s government coordinating agency in China and a longstanding partner, the Ministry of Commerce has maintained close cooperation with UNDP over the years. During the meeting, the two sides held in-depth discussions on further strengthening practical cooperation across a wide range of areas.

Photograph of executives seated around a long wooden conference table in a boardroom.

Group photo in front of the PRC Ministry of Commerce sign; six people in formal attire with a flag.

On 13 July, Mr. Liller arrived in Beijing to begin his assignment in China. He visited the United Nations Compound and held his first meeting with colleagues from the UNDP China Country Office.

During the meeting, Mr. Liller shared his professional journey and experience in international development. Reflecting on his career path from joining UNDP as an intern to becoming UNDP Resident Representative in China, he encouraged younger colleagues to remain curious, pursue their goals with determination, and make the most of every opportunity for learning and professional growth. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the development contexts of different countries and regions in advancing international cooperation.

Audience seated in a lecture room listening to a presenter at the front with a laptop.

Photo: Panel discussion with two men in chairs; flowers, laptop on table; audience.

Outdoor group portrait with many people standing in rows on a grassy lawn, trees in the background.

Mr. Liller said he was delighted to begin his assignment in China and looked forward to working closely with theUNDP China Country Office team. He commended the Country Office for its longstanding achievements and expressed his commitment to maintaining open, equal and candid communication with the team, enabling every colleague to fully contribute their professional expertise. He also stressed the importance of working together around the priorities of the UNDP China Country Programme Document (2026–2030), advancing UNDP’s work in China, and joining efforts with partners to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Read Mr. Liller's biography here.