The United Nations University (UNU) is pleased to announce the appointment of six new members to its governing Council. These appointments, made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in consultation with the Director-General of UNESCO, reflect the University’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, global diversity and leadership in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
The newly appointed members will succeed six Council members, whose terms ended on 3 May 2025. UNU expresses its gratitude to the following individuals for their dedication, support and wise counsel:
- Dr. Denisa Čiderová (Slovakia), Associate Professor in the Department of International Trade and Liaison for Idea Puzzle at the University of Economics in Bratislava;
- Dr. Comfort Ero (United Kingdom), President and CEO, International Crisis Group;
- Dr. Xin Fang (China), Professor, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences;
- Prof. Adam Habib (South Africa), Director, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London;
- Prof. ‘Funmi Olonisakin (United Kingdom & Nigeria), Vice-President and Vice-Principal International and Professor of Security, Leadership and Development, King's College London;
- Prof. Brenda Yeoh (Singapore), Raffles Professor of Social Sciences, National University of Singapore
The new members serve six-year terms from 4 May 2025, joining six continuing members whose mandates extend until May 2028. Representing a wide range of disciplines, regions and perspectives, the Council guides UNU’s strategic direction and supports its mission as the academic arm of the United Nations.
New Council Members (2025–2031)
Prof. Louise Fawcett (United Kingdom/Ireland) — Professor of International Relations, St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford; Specialist in regionalism, diplomacy and international governance; Former Head of the Oxford Department of Politics and International Relations; Director of the Oxford Martin Programme on Changing Global Orders.
Prof. Francisco H.G. Ferreira (Brazil) — Amartya Sen Professor of Inequality Studies and Director of the International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science; Vice-Chair of UNU Council; Former Chief Economist for Africa at the World Bank; Globally respected economist focusing on inequality, poverty and mobility.
Dr. Jane Catherine Ngila (Kenya) — Executive Director, African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education and STI, former Interim Executive Director, African Academy of Sciences; Renowned chemist and recipient of the 2021 L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science; Expert in sustainable water management and advocate for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Ms. Shuvai Busuman Nyoni (Zimbabwe) Executive Director, African Leadership Centre; Expert in peacebuilding, gender and leadership. Active in regional initiatives promoting inclusive governance and women in peace processes.
Prof. Mu Rongping (PDR China) — Dean, School of Public Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Leader in innovation systems and science policy; Influential in shaping national and international science and technology strategies.
Prof. Dr. Hauke Reiner Heekeren (Germany) — President, University of Hamburg; Neuroscientist and higher education leader with expertise in cognitive science, digital transformation and sustainability.
Continuing Council Members (until May 2028)
- Sir Hilary Beckles — Vice-Chancellor, University of the West Indies (Jamaica); Chair of the UNU Council
- Amb. Kuni Sato — Former Ambassador and UN Diplomat (Japan); Vice-Chair of the UNU Council (Finance Committee)
- Vanessa Scherrer — Advisor on Higher Education and Youth in International Contexts (France); Vice-Chair of the UNU Council
- Prof. Catherine Kyobotungi — Executive Director, The African Population and Health Research Centre (Uganda)
- Prof. Monica Serrano — Research Professor, El Colegio de México (Mexico)
- Yamini Aiyar; Public Policy Specialist (India)
Together, the members of the UNU Council bring unparalleled expertise and leadership to the governance of the University, reinforcing UNU’s global role as a platform for knowledge, policy and action.
