After over a year and a half of service at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya, Mr. Brian Gleeson, UNDP Libya Resident Representative, will be leaving the office to take up the position of Coordinator General for remote Indigenous services in the Australian Government.

Gleeson’s separation from UNDP Libya will mark the end of a long career with the United Nations, as he first joined the organization in 1996 as part of Kofi Annan’s management reform team. During his eight years at UNDP, Gleeson held one-to-one meetings with over 5,000 staffers and visited 80 country offices. The impact of his departure will no doubt be noted throughout the UN system.

Gleeson has been leading UNDP Libya since January 2008 and will be remembered for his unwavering commitment and often outspoken support of issues such as women’s empowerment and the elimination of gender based violence, demining, environmental conservation and national capacity development. He has also taken a strong interest in regional affairs, and his compassion and support for the people of Gaza has been commended by many.

During his regrettably short stay in Libya, he has overseen the signing of projects related to improved water management, a strategic response to HIV/AIDS in the country, demining and recently the launch of the Libya sponsored UNDP Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programme, the first ever JPO programme sponsored by an African nation. He also leaves with many new and exciting projects planned for the next few months, which will see the office expand into important areas of development work relating to HIV/AIDS, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation and young people in Libya.

In his role as United Nations Resident Coordinator, Gleeson has pushed for greater adherence to ‘One UN’, improving communications and coordination between the different UN agencies. This has allowed for a more visible, streamlined UN presence in the country.

UNDP Libya staff will not only miss Gleeson’s professional inputs, but the UNDP Staff Association also acknowledged that he is considered both a great friend and a mentor, who has taken a personal interest in staff career development and guidance.

UNDP Libya wishes him the best of luck in his unique opportunity to serve in his home country’s government. It will not be his first time working for the Australian government, prior to his appointment at UN he spent over thirty years in government, reaching the exalted position of deputy minister.

Following his dynamic leadership, the office is confident and determined that his enduring legacy will be reflected in a more effective, streamlined and motivated UNDP Libya team, able to respond effectively and innovatively to development challenges.