The new Resident Representative for the United Nations’ Development Programme (UNDP) Samoa multi-country office today presented his credentials to Samoa’s Prime Minister, thus signaling the official start of his term in Samoa.

Mr Jorn Sorensen, a native of Denmark, held his first official meeting with Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi earlier today.

Mr Sorensen comes to Samoa from the UNDP Sri Lanka office where he worked for five years. He has about 25 years of working experience in the United Nations system, and primarily for UNDP.

“I am very pleased to be here in Samoa and taking on this role at such a time as this. I intend to continue the great work already done in Samoa by previous Resident Representatives, and to reinforce UNDP’s critical advisory role in driving the sustainable development agenda,” said Mr Sorensen.   

Prime Minister Tuilaepa warmly welcomed Mr Sorensen to Samoa and to his new role, and he said he looks forward to working with UNDP on some key development projects particularly in the cross-cutting area of sports and youth.  

The PM also gave Mr Sorenson a signed copy of his book, Palemia.

UNDP RR

The Resident Representative (RR) is the highest role in any UNDP office.

Until December 2018, the role of United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) has been combined with that of UNDP’s Resident Representative.

But as part of the UN reform to delink the UN RC system, the role of RR for UNDP is now held separately from that of RC for the UN.

Dr Simona Marinescu is the current UN RC, while Mr Sorenson is now the new UNDP RR.

The Samoa multi-country office services the needs of four island nations: Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.  

Professional background

Mr Sorensen has served in different capacities within the UN system. He was Country Director in Sri Lanka (2014-2018) and in India (2013-2014). From 2009-2013, he served as UNDP Deputy Country Director in Nepal. He also worked as Head of Strategic Planning and Partnerships, Recovery and Crisis Prevention Programme in UNDP Iraq (2006-2009). He was Programme Specialist with UNDP Iraq (2004-2005) and for the Regional Bureau for Arab States in New York (2000-2004).

He also worked as an Advisor for WFP in China (2000) and for UNDP China (1999-2000). Mr Sorensen was Assistant Resident Representative (Programme) in UNDP DPR Korea (1998-1999) and Reginal Programme Manager in UNDP New York (1997-1998). He also worked as Team Leader in UNDP Mongolia (1996-1997). Mr Sorensen started his career with UNDP as JPO in Mongolia (1994-1997).

He holds a Master's degree in International Development Studies from the Institute of Philosophy, Rhetoric and Pedagogic, University of Copenhagen. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the Royal Copenhagen Business School. He speaks English and Spanish.

The work of UNDP

UNDP is the UN’s largest development agency. Headquartered in New York, USA, UNDP works to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. It helps countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress.

UNDP was established in Samoa on July 1st, 1979.   

-ENDS-

For additional information, please contact Laufaleaina Lesa at laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org or (685) 23670 ext 12.
 
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