Usha Rao-Monari appointed new Associate Administrator for the United Nations Development Programme

February 17, 2021

New York - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Ms. Usha Rao-Monari of India as Under Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Ms. Rao-Monari comes with 30 years of investment experience and has held several senior positions, notably as Director of the Sustainable Business Advisory Group at the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group. She currently serves on the Boards of a number organisations in the field of sustainable development and has held a number of Board and advisory positions in the areas of water, natural capital, biodiversity and environment.

Upon her arrival, Ms. Rao-Monari will succeed Mr. Mourad Wahba, Acting Associate Administrator since May 2019 - the culmination of over 30 years at the United Nations. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, is grateful to Mr.Wahba and to the previous Associate Administrator, Mr. Tege Gettu, for their commitment and critical support to the organization.