In a significant appointment, Gita Sabharwal from India has been designated as the United Nations (UN) resident coordinator in Indonesia by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This role marks a pivotal moment in her career, where she brings nearly three decades of expertise in development, particularly in areas such as climate transition, sustainable peace, governance, and social policy. Sabharwal is known for her adept use of digital technology and data to drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a statement released by the UN.
Just landed in Jakarta! Very honoured as I look forward to serve, as @UN Resident Coordinator (designate), the govt & people of 🇮🇩 #Indonesia through @UNinIndonesia, together with 26 UN agencies in one of the region’s largest economies, in support of #SDGs. pic.twitter.com/5Bi2PDI3Za— Gita Sabharwal (@SabharwalGita) April 22, 2024
Experience and Credentials
Gita Sabharwal commenced her duties on Monday, assuming this critical role with approval from the Indonesian government. Her previous experiences include serving as the UN resident coordinator in Thailand and as a peacebuilding and development adviser for the UN in Sri Lanka. Before her tenure with the UN, Sabharwal held key positions, such as deputy country representative for The Asia Foundation in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and poverty and policy adviser for the UK's Department for International Development in India and Vietnam. She holds a master's degree in development management from the University of Wales in the UK.
Roles and Responsibilities of UN Resident Coordinators
The UN resident coordinator is the primary representative of the UN Development System at the country level. They play a crucial role in leading UN country teams and coordinating support towards achieving the 2030 Agenda. Reporting directly to the UN secretary-general, resident coordinators are tasked with several key duties and responsibilities:
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Engagement and Representation: Resident coordinators are responsible for representing the UN at the highest levels of the host country's government. They facilitate collaboration with civil society, bilateral and multilateral partners, academia, and the private sector to address the country's development needs, priorities, and challenges in alignment with the SDGs.
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Coordinating UN Support: Sabharwal's role will involve coordinating efforts across 26 UN agencies in Indonesia to ensure cohesive and effective support towards sustainable development goals within one of the region's largest economies.
Sabharwal's Vision for Indonesia
Upon her arrival in Jakarta, Sabharwal expressed her enthusiasm and honor to serve Indonesia through her role as UN resident coordinator. Her focus will be on leveraging the collective resources and expertise of the UN agencies to contribute meaningfully to Indonesia's development agenda and SDG targets.
This appointment signifies a pivotal step in Indonesia's journey towards sustainable development, with Gita Sabharwal poised to lead the UN's efforts in fostering partnerships and driving progress towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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