Has Stefan Priesner Become the New UN Head in India?
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Synopsis
Stefan Priesner from Austria is the new UN head in India, succeeding Shombi Sharp after a four-year tenure. With extensive experience across South Asia, Priesner aims to guide UN agencies in promoting their development agenda. Additionally, Lt Gen Ganesh Kumar Shrestha has been appointed as the new force commander for UNISFA, highlighting ongoing international efforts in peacekeeping.
Key Takeaways
- Stefan Priesner has become the new UN head in India.
- He brings 28 years of experience with the UN.
- Priesner has worked in multiple South Asian countries.
- He succeeds Shombi Sharp, who served for four years.
- Lt Gen Ganesh Kumar Shrestha has been appointed as UNISFA's new force commander.
On December 3, the United Nations announced that Stefan Priesner from Austria has officially assumed the role of the UN’s head in India, as confirmed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
Taking charge as the UN Resident Coordinator in India on Monday, Priesner succeeds Shombi Sharp, who completed a four-year term.
Prior to this position, he served for four years in a similar capacity in Iran before relocating to New Delhi.
With extensive experience across South Asia, Priesner began his impressive 28-year career with the UN in Bhutan and has also worked in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Additionally, he has held the role of resident coordinator in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, and has contributed to efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He holds a degree in law from the University of Vienna and a master's in international relations from Johns Hopkins University in the US.
The resident coordinator plays a pivotal role by representing the UN at the highest levels of government and guiding the various UN agencies to promote the organization’s development agenda.
In related news, on Tuesday, Guterres appointed Lt Gen Ganesh Kumar Shrestha of Nepal as the new force commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Established in 2011, the UNISFA aims to safeguard civilians in the Abyei region, which is contested by both Sudan and South Sudan.
Shrestha, succeeding Maj Gen Robert Yaw Affram of Ghana, will oversee an operation consisting of 3,250 troops and 640 police officers.
Recently, he served as the Master General of Ordinance at the Nepalese Army Headquarters and has experience as a sector commander with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Point of View
I emphasize that Stefan Priesner's appointment reflects the UN's ongoing commitment to effective leadership in India. His extensive background in South Asia suggests a proactive approach in addressing regional challenges and promoting development. This transition is pivotal for the UN's influence in the region.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stefan Priesner?
Stefan Priesner is the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator in India, with extensive experience in South Asia and a strong background in international relations.
What is the role of the UN Resident Coordinator?
The UN Resident Coordinator represents the UN at the highest levels of government and leads various UN agencies to promote the organization's development agenda.
What does UNISFA stand for?
UNISFA stands for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, which is tasked with protecting civilians in the contested Abyei area.
Who has been appointed as the new force commander of UNISFA?
Lt Gen Ganesh Kumar Shrestha of Nepal has been appointed as the new force commander of UNISFA.
What are some of Priesner's previous positions?
Before taking charge in India, Priesner served as the UN Resident Coordinator in Iran and has worked in various capacities in Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
