Gwi-Yeop Son appointed Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, to become the United Nations Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation

Turin, Italy – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Ms. Gwi-Yeop Son of the Republic of Korea as Acting Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Ms. Son will also become the Acting Executive Director of the newly established United Nations Institute for Capability and Learning Innovation (UNICLI), following the United Nations General Assembly’s endorsement of the merger of the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) into UNITAR on 1 January 2027. She will succeed Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough of Jamaica. 

In response to the appointment, Mr. Miguel Panadero, Acting Director of UNSSC, said: 

“Ms. Son’s appointment as Acting Executive Director of UNITAR and the forthcoming UNICLI marks a significant step for our organization and the United Nations system. Her distinguished track record in international development and leadership across diverse contexts will bring invaluable perspective and drive to our shared mission of building capacity and fostering innovation. We look forward to working closely with Ms. Son to shape the future of learning and capability development for the UN and its partners.” 

Ms. Son is currently the Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia at the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) in Istanbul, a role she has held since 2020. With more than three decades of experience in international development, she has served in key leadership positions throughout the UN system, including as United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, and in various roles with UNDP in Somalia, Lao PDR, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, and Thailand.  

 Photo Credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elias 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Peter Serenyi, Team Lead, Communication and Outreach : p.serenyi@unssc.org