UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Toily Kurbanov of the Russian Federation as the new Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Kurbanov will also serve as Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the country. He succeeds Anita Kiki Gbeho of Ghana, who previously served in the roles. The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Gbeho's contributions and accomplishments during her tenure.
Kurbanov brings nearly three decades of experience in international diplomacy, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, and public policy. His career includes extensive work on complex international issues as well as leadership of UN partnerships and operations. He has served as Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers programme since 2021, having previously held the position of Deputy Executive Coordinator from 2016 to 2020.
During his time with UNV, Kurbanov has focused on strengthening the programme's contribution to peacebuilding, sustainable development, and humanitarian action across the UN system. Before joining UNV's leadership, Kurbanov served as UNDP Country Director in Myanmar from 2012 to 2016, where he oversaw the re-establishment of UNDP's presence and conflict-sensitive programming.
Kurbanov has also served as Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Fiji and the Pacific Island Countries, managing programmes across 10 Pacific small island developing states and supporting initiatives related to climate adaptation and UN coordination. Earlier in his UN career, Kurbanov worked at UNDP headquarters in New York, where he contributed to strategic resource management, planning, and budgeting.
Prior to his work with the United Nations, Kurbanov held senior government positions in Turkmenistan, including serving as an ambassador and in ministerial and other senior roles within state institutions. Kurbanov holds a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University in the United States and a master's degree in economics from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Moscow.
In his new position, Kurbanov will take on a central coordination role in South Sudan, bringing together the UN's peacekeeping, humanitarian, development, and coordination efforts. His appointment comes as UNMISS continues to work with South Sudanese authorities and partners on peacebuilding, protection of civilians, humanitarian assistance, and support for the country's development.
The UN's efforts in South Sudan are crucial, given the country's ongoing challenges. Kurbanov's experience and expertise will be essential in supporting the implementation of the peace agreement and promoting sustainable development in the country. The UNMISS mission has been working in South Sudan since 2011, with a mandate to protect civilians, support humanitarian assistance, and promote peacebuilding and stability.
Key points
- Toily Kurbanov has been appointed as the new Deputy Special Representative for the UN Mission in South Sudan.
- Kurbanov brings nearly three decades of experience in international diplomacy, humanitarian affairs, sustainable development, and public policy.
- He will take on a central coordination role in South Sudan, bringing together the UN's peacekeeping, humanitarian, development, and coordination efforts.
