Stephen Rodriques has joined the Bangladesh chapter of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as its new resident representative
The UNDP announced the development on Tuesday, saying Rodriques replaced Stefan Liller.
Rodriques previously served in the same post in Afghanistan, Liberia and Rwanda.
The new appointee, who is a Jamaican national, will lead the UN agency’s operations in Bangladesh while overseeing its support to national development priorities.
Rodriques will work closely with the government, development partners, civil society, the private sector and communities to advance inclusive development, strengthen resilience and accelerate progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), says UNDP Bangladesh.
“It is a privilege to join UNDP Bangladesh and contribute to the country’s development journey,” Rodriques was quoted as saying.
“I look forward to working with the government and people of Bangladesh, as well as our development partners, to build on existing achievements and advance solutions that are inclusive, sustainable and responsive to the needs of communities.”
He has a history of working in international development and public-sector leadership for more than 30 years.
Alongside working as the UNDP resident representative in Afghanistan, Liberia, Rwanda, and the organisation’s deputy country director in Indonesia, he also held several other leadership positions within the UN agency.
Before joining the UN, Rodriques worked in senior government positions in Jamaica, where he contributed to strengthening public administration and advancing the country’s national development agenda.
