Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Alexander De Croo, supported by top Belgian leaders, is a strong candidate to lead the UNDP after Achim Steiner’s mid-June 2025 departure. The UNDP supports global poverty reduction and development.
As VRT News reported, Alexander De Croo, a Belgian politician from the Open VLD party, is in a strong position to become the next Executive Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). They mentioned that his candidacy arose after internal figures within the UNDP encouraged him to apply for the role.
De Croo’s bid is significant not only because of his international reputation but also because he has widespread political support in Belgium. Both Prime Minister Bart De Wever from the N-VA party and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot from Les Engagés have voiced their support.
What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the UNDP as it transitions to a new leader?
According to officials, the UNDP, located in New York, helps developing countries by offering advice, training, and resources to fight poverty and boost sustainable development. Unlike groups that run projects themselves, the UNDP mainly organises and funds these efforts.
It gathers money and experts, but has other UN agencies or local partners do the work. They mentioned that if Alexander De Croo becomes the leader, he would manage this process and create policies that affect many people globally. Several people are in the line to lead the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP, with candidates from places like Denmark and Norway.
The main competition is expected to come from within the UN, as many have worked in different UN jobs. The official process to pick the new UNDP head starts at the end of June 2025. There will be evaluations, interviews, and discussions to decide who takes over from the current leader.
Achim Steiner, the current head of UNDP, is leaving in mid-June 2025. He’s from both Brazil and Germany. Steiner is known and respected in the world of development and has guided the UNDP through tough times. He’s also a mayor, but it’s not clear how his leaving or staying at UNDP will affect his mayor job.
Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
