Former Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Tapped to Lead UNDP

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, has nominated Belgium's former Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, to lead the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This decision awaits approval from the UN General Assembly. The agency aims to fight poverty and promote sustainable development worldwide.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has appointed Belgium's former Prime Minister Alexander De Croo to head the UN Development Programme (UNDP), according to a letter dated October 20 and seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

De Croo's appointment awaits approval from the UN General Assembly at a yet unspecified time. "We look forward to the final outcome of the Member State process," a UNDP spokesperson said, reflecting the agency's pursuit to eradicate poverty and foster sustainable development across 170 countries and territories.

Achim Steiner, the previous head from Germany, resigned in June amid a crisis marked by reduced donor aid and development cutbacks. China's Haoliang Xu assumes interim responsibilities as the organization aims to overcome financial hurdles.

(With inputs from agencies.)