Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala Sworn in as Rector of UNU

On 17 April 2023, a Swearing-in Ceremony for the seventh Rector of the United Nations University (UNU) was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres administered the oath of office to Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala of South Africa, who had assumed the role of UNU Rector on 1 March. In his capacity as UNU Rector, Prof. Marwala holds the rank of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Prof. Marwala’s appointment as Rector of the United Nations University was made by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in consultation with, and with the concurrence of, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Prof Marwala is serving a five-year term as UNU Rector, through February 2028; he succeeds Dr David M. Malone of Canada, who served as UNU Rector from March 2013 through February 2023. 

Rector Marwala, based at UNU Centre in Tokyo, leads the global UNU system of 13 research and training institutes. The University conducts objective, policy-relevant research on pressing global issues, and feeds its scientific expertise and evidence-based findings into the policymaking and decision-making processes of the United Nations and its Member States. 

Prof. Marwala brings to the role exceptional leadership experience and an extensive academic background. Prior to joining UNU, he served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (South Africa) from 2018 through 2023. He holds a PhD degree from the University of Cambridge (UK), a Master of Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Pretoria (South Africa), and a Bachelor of Science degree (magna cum laude) from Case Western Reserve University (USA).   

For more about Prof. Marwala, including a brief profile, see the press release issued on 1 March upon when he began his tenure as UNU Rector.