UN Environment: Erik Solheim out, Joyce Msuya in

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has appointed Ms Joyce Msuya of the United Republic of Tanzania as the acting Executive Director of Nairobi based United Nations Environment Programme.
The appointed followed the resignation of the former Executive Director of the organisation, Erik Solheim who stepped down from the organisation on Tuesday November 20, 2018 after he received the final report on the audit of official travel undertaken by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services.
In a statement to announce his resignation on Tuesday, Solheim wrote “On Saturday, I received the final report on the audit of official travel undertaken by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services. As I have maintained throughout this process – I have been and remain – committed to doing what I believe to be in the best interest of UN Environment and the mission we are here to achieve.
“For this reason, after deep reflection and in close consultation with the Secretary-General, I am stepping down as Executive Director of UN Environment with effect from 22 November 2018. Moments ago, with a heavy heart, I informed the Secretary-General of my decision. He indicated that he will be shortly appointing an Officer in Charge of the Organization.
“It is my most sincere hope that this proves to be in the best interest of UN Environment and the wider UN. Despite the challenges this moment brings, I also hope each of you will take pride in what we have achieved together.
“From the historic announcement made by Indian prime minister Modi to phase out single-use plastics, the ever-growing list of countries ratifying the Kigali Amendment, the largest-ever gathering of leaders on pollution at the Third Environment Assembly, our incredible partnerships on nature-based farming in countries like Indonesia and India, and the remarkable signing of an agreement by 12 countries guaranteeing environmental rights in Latin America and the Caribbean – we can be immensely proud of our accomplishments and the momentum for action we have created. We have supported so many other great efforts including the Minamata Convention, the European Union platform on single-plastics and so many innovative partnerships with the private sector.
“I will remain a committed friend of UN Environment and to all the wonderful individuals and dedicated professionals with whom I have had the privilege to serve.”
A draft of the report found he travelled for 529 out of the 668 days audited, spending $488,518 with no regard for the rules, Britain’s The Guardian newspaper reported in September.
The newly appointed acting Executive Director was appointed by Guterres in May this year as the Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Environment.
Msuya who will resume on Thursday November 22, 2018 will be in acting capacity while the Secretary General shops for a new Executive Director.