UNDP showdown: the candidates, the donor grants, and what Guterres wants

June 06, 2025 / By: Bjørn H Amland

There are five known contenders in the race for the top job at UNDP, all from donor countries. Could a Japanese UN executive become the agency’s first Asian head, or could one of two Scandinavian candidates seize the helm? A former Belgian Prime Minister has inserted himself in the race as a favourite, but there is still time for a dark horse to join. The deadline for applications has been extended to June 9.

Candidates for post of UNDP Administrator so far, from top left: Izumi Nakamitsu (Japan), Alexander De Croo (Belgium), Jens Christian Wandel (Denmark), Bård Vegar Solhjell (Norway), and Chrysoula Zacharopoulou (France).

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