IIED appoints Winnie Byanyima as chair of its board of trustees
Winnie Byanyima has been appointed to lead IIED’s board of trustees, taking over from Paul George when his term as chair ends in January 2027.
Incoming IIED trustee chair Winnie Byanyima (Photo: UNAIDS)
Byanyima is a globally respected leader dedicated to advancing social justice, sustainable development and equality.
She served for 11 years in Uganda’s parliament, founding the country’s first caucus of women MPs and championing the inclusion of gender equality in its 1995 constitution.
Her international leadership career has included senior roles at Oxfam International, the United Nations Development Programme and the African Union Commission. She has also co-chaired the World Economic Forum and advised G7 and G20 presidencies on gender equality and wealth inequality respectively.
Byanyima is currently UN Under-Secretary-General and executive director of UNAIDS, a role that reflects her commitment to human rights and equity.
She said: “I’m honoured to join IIED as it continues to advocate for change during a difficult time for the sustainable development sector and multilateralism itself.
"We share the belief that lasting change comes from working in partnership with communities, policymakers and civil society organisations."
She added: "I look forward to working with the IIED team in their mission to promote sustainable and equitable solutions to the world’s most pressing development challenges."
IIED’s executive director Tom Mitchell said: “Winnie brings exceptional experience, a lifelong commitment to social justice and sustainable development and a global perspective.
“At a time of profound change in the sector, her leadership, insight and ability to build partnerships will be invaluable as IIED continues its mission to advance fairer and more sustainable futures.”
Paul George, IIED’s current chair, said: “Winnie is an outstanding leader with a transparent passion for our mission. I am delighted that she has agreed to become our chair”.
Notes to editors
- See IIED's current board of trustees
For more information or to request an interview, contact Jon Sharman:
+44 7407 727 886, or [email protected]