Shalini Bahuguna of India Takes Role as UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea
Synopsis
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Shalini Bahuguna as the resident coordinator in Papua New Guinea, bringing her extensive experience in international organizations and innovative AI strategies to the role.
Key Takeaways
Shalini Bahuguna has been appointed as the UN resident coordinator in Papua New Guinea .
She brings decades of experience in international development.
Her recent work involved developing an AI strategy with UNICEF.
The UN is managing 192 programs in Papua New Guinea.
Bahuguna's career began in India focusing on water and sanitation issues.
On April 2, the United Nations announced the appointment of Shalini Bahuguna from India as the new resident coordinator in Papua New Guinea, as confirmed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
According to Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Bahuguna comes with extensive experience working within international organizations.
As resident coordinators are the leading UN officials in their respective countries, they oversee the UN's initiatives and programs.
Her recent role involved collaborating with UNICEF to formulate an AI strategy in partnership with Accenture, as per UN reports.
Previously, Bahuguna was the UNICEF representative in Tanzania, where she worked to promote children's rights and align with the nation’s development goals.
She has also served as UNICEF's deputy representative in Ethiopia and Myanmar, and held the position of chief of social policy and gender in Nigeria.
Bahuguna's career in development began in India at an NGO focused on water and sanitation. She later collaborated with the Indian government and the World Bank on reforms in the water sector.
Her work with the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) has taken her to countries like China, Indonesia, and Afghanistan.
She is an alumna of Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and holds a master’s degree in development economics and international development from Swansea University in the UK.
The UN operates 192 programs in Papua New Guinea, with a total investment of $85.5 million.
Papua New Guinea is a small Pacific nation that shares a border with Indonesia and has a population of around 13 million.
Point of View
Shalini Bahuguna's appointment is a significant milestone not just for her career but also for the UN's mission in Papua New Guinea. Her rich experience and innovative approach to development, especially in AI, are expected to bring fresh perspectives to the UN's work in this region. This move emphasizes the UN's commitment to impactful leadership.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shalini Bahuguna?
Shalini Bahuguna is the newly appointed resident coordinator for Papua New Guinea, with extensive experience in international development, particularly in AI strategies.
What are the responsibilities of a UN resident coordinator?
A UN resident coordinator leads UN teams in a country, overseeing the implementation of UN programs and initiatives.
What prior roles did Bahuguna hold?
Bahuguna previously worked with UNICEF in various capacities, including as a representative in Tanzania and deputy representative in Ethiopia and Myanmar.
What is the significance of the UN's work in Papua New Guinea?
The UN is involved in 192 programs in Papua New Guinea, focusing on development goals with an investment of $85.5 million.
What is Bahuguna's educational background?
She graduated from Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and holds a master's degree in development economics from Swansea University in the UK.
