In Summary: UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has been appointed chair of the board of trustees of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), with her tenure set to begin in January 2027.
Kampala, Uganda — Ugandan diplomat and outgoing UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has been appointed chair of the board of trustees of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), adding another high-profile international leadership role to her career.
Byanyima will assume the position in January 2027, succeeding Paul George, whose tenure as board chair is coming to an end. IIED announced the appointment on November 3, describing her as a globally respected leader with a strong record in advancing social justice, equality and sustainable development.
The London-based independent policy and research organisation works with partners around the world to address climate change, nature loss and inequality. It has operated for more than 50 years, supporting locally led action and influencing policies aimed at building fairer and more sustainable societies. IIED+1
In a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, Byanyima said she was honoured to join the institute at a difficult time for the sustainable development sector and multilateral cooperation. “I am honoured to join IIED as it continues to advocate for change during a difficult time for the sustainable development sector and multilateralism itself,” Ms Byanyima said.
“Throughout my life, I have seen how inequality drives poverty, ill health, conflict, and climate breakdown, and I know that they are all deeply interconnected. We share the belief that lasting change comes from working in partnership with communities, policymakers, and civil society organisations. I look forward to working with the IIED team in their mission to promote sustainable and equitable solutions to the world’s most pressing development challenges.”
IIED Executive Director Tom Mitchell welcomed the appointment, saying Byanyima brings extensive experience, a lifelong commitment to social justice and sustainable development, and a global perspective.
“At a time of profound change in the sector, her leadership, insight, and ability to build partnerships will be invaluable as IIED continues its mission to advance fairer and more sustainable futures,” Mitchell said.
Outgoing board chair Paul George also welcomed her appointment, describing Byanyima as an outstanding leader with a strong passion for the institute’s mission.
The appointment comes as Byanyima prepares to leave UNAIDS, where she has served as executive director and United Nations Under-Secretary-General. She announced her departure during a special session of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board on October 26, saying she would continue leading the Joint Programme until her mandate ends on December 31, 2026.
UNAIDS credited her with steering the organisation through a period of significant challenges and transformation while sustaining a global HIV response based on evidence, data and human rights, with people living with HIV and affected communities at its centre.
Byanyima’s career spans more than three decades in public service, international development and diplomacy. She served for 11 years in Uganda’s Parliament, where she founded the country’s first parliamentary caucus for women MPs and championed the inclusion of gender equality provisions in the 1995 Constitution.
Her international career has included senior leadership roles at Oxfam International, the United Nations Development Programme and the African Union Commission. She has also co-chaired the World Economic Forum and served in global advisory roles on issues including gender equality, wealth inequality and climate adaptation.
IIED is an independent international policy and research organisation focused on the relationship between environmental sustainability and social justice. Its work includes climate action, nature protection, locally led development and efforts to address inequality.
Byanyima’s appointment brings together her experience in public leadership, international development and global health advocacy. Her work at UNAIDS has included defending a rights-based approach to HIV prevention and treatment, while her earlier roles at Oxfam and the UN placed her at the centre of debates on poverty, inequality and development.
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