Meet UN DESA’s new Under-Secretary-General Mr. Li Junhua

After five years of dedicated service to UN DESA and the international community, Liu Zhenmin hands over the baton to a new Under-Secretary-General at the end of the summer. On 30 August, the United Nations welcomes Li Junhua to lead UN DESA’s work promoting sustainable development for all. Here are 4 things you need to know about Mr. Li and his role heading UN DESA.

1. Brings a vision on multilateral collaboration, benefiting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

UN DESA’s new Under-Secretary-General Mr. Li joins the organization with perspectives and visions on fostering multilateral economic and social cooperation. He is committed to engage with all parties to further implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to serve UN Member States.

2. 2. Extensive portfolio at UN DESA to serve people and planet

As Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Li guides the UN Secretariat’s support for the follow-up processes of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. He also oversees the substantive services to many intergovernmental processes. In addition, Mr. Li oversees UN DESA’s policy analysis and capacity development work and also serves as the Convenor of the Executive Committee on Economic and Social Affairs. He also advises the UN Secretary-General on all development-related issues, including climate change, internet governance, and financing for development.

3. 3. Experienced diplomat on the world stage

Mr. Li brings extensive experience to UN DESA, having contributed to numerous meetings of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council, as well as other multilateral meetings including the G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM), and BRICS etc.

Before joining the Department, he was the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Italy and San Marino. Prior to this, he was the Director General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China (2013-2019).

4. 4. International career began at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mr. Li began his career at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in 1985. Since then, he has served in various capacities, including as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Myanmar (2010-2012), Deputy Director General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences (2008-2010), Minister Counselor (Political), Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations (2003-2008), Division Director and Counselor in charge of UN General Assembly and Security Council Affairs (2001-2003), Second and First Secretary, Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nation (1997-2001). Third and Second Secretary, the Department of International Organizations and Conferences (1992-1997) and Assistant to the Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of China to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok (1986-1992).

Mr. Li has a Master’s in International Public Policy, School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

Learn more about the new Under-Secretary-General Mr. Li on UN DESA’s website here.