Dane elected to lead UN Women

Ib Petersen to spearhead global gender equality

The Danish UN ambassador, Ib Petersen, has been elected chairperson of the board of UN Women, the UN organisation dedicated to promoting gender equality and women's rights.

The trade and development minister, Mogens Jensen, said the appointment of the Danish man is an approval of the strong Danish voice for global gender equality.

”As chairperson, the Danish UN ambassador will be centrally placed to promote gender equality in the international development agenda, which is an important Danish priority and essential to ensuring women's rights and sustainable development,” Jensen said in a press release.

”Women are key to development so I am pleased that with this appointment Denmark can help ensure the organisation functions effectively and delivers results.”

READ MORE: Pakistan aid programs to further women's rights

Danes top donors
In 2015, Denmark will support UN Women with 60 million kroner, making it the fifth-largest aid donor to the organisation. UN Women's Nordic offices are located in the UN City in Copenhagen.

As chairperson, Petersen will take charge of UN Women's three annual board meetings – in co-operation with the four deputy chairmen who represent Asia, Africa, Latin America and eastern Europe.





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