Stefano Cordella

Stefano Cordella assumed the role of the Strategic Partnership Specialist and Head of the Partnerships and Communications Unit at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in January 2025. With over 20 years of experience in international development and humanitarian affairs, he has worked in complex political and conflict settings, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, and Sudan.

His expertise includes strategic positioning, partnership-building, and resource mobilization across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Before joining UNDP Pakistan, he held senior roles with the UN, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and international NGOs, including as Senior Partnerships Advisor at UNOPS, UN HDP Nexus Advisor in Madagascar, and IFRC Head of Delegation in Libya and Sudan. He has led engagement with governments, donors, and financial institutions to support humanitarian and development efforts.

Stefano holds postgraduate and master’s degrees in humanitarian assistance, development studies, and international affairs from Fordham University, the University of Bologna, and the University of Trieste. He is currently pursuing an MPhil in Comparative International Relations at the University of Venice.

At UNDP Pakistan, Stefano focuses on strengthening partnerships, mobilizing resources, and raising the visibility of UNDP’s work. He works closely with senior management, programme teams, and regional and global UNDP entities to support Pakistan’s development agenda.