Winnie Byanyima named chair of International Environment Institute
- Winnie Byanyima is appointed as the new Chair of the IIED Board of Trustees.
- Her term at the IIED begins in January 2027.
- Byanyima will conclude her tenure as UNAIDS Executive Director on December 31, 2026.
- The IIED focuses on sustainable development, climate change, and inequality.
- Byanyima previously served as Executive Director of Oxfam International.
Winnie Byanyima will serve as the next chair of the Board of Trustees for the International Institute for Environment and Development starting in January 2027. UNAIDS announced the appointment on November 3, 2026.
Byanyima to conclude UNAIDS tenure on December 31
Winnie Byanyima will conclude her tenure as the Executive Director of UNAIDS and United Nations Under-Secretary-General on December 31, 2026.
During that meeting, Byanyima pledged to serve with "energy and determination until the final day of my mandate".
UNAIDS and IIED officials praise Byanyima’s leadership
UNAIDS released a statement on November 3, 2026, congratulating Byanyima for her leadership of the global HIV/AIDS program. The organization praised her for steering the program through challenging times by emphasizing data, evidence and human rights.
George described Byanyima as "an outstanding leader with a transparent passion for our mission".
Regarding the new role, Byanyima said, "We share the belief that lasting change comes from working in partnership with communities, policymakers and civil society organisations".
IIED board oversees research on climate change and inequality
The institute operates as an independent research and policy organization focused on sustainable development, climate change, nature loss and inequality. It has conducted this work for over 50 years.
The Board of Trustees oversees governance, operations, legal compliance and financial management while appointing the Executive Director.
Trustees commit about 15 days annually to the role. This commitment includes attendance at quarterly meetings held either online or in person in London.
Extensive career in international development and Ugandan politics
Byanyima served three terms in the Ugandan Parliament over 11 years. She helped include gender equality provisions in the 1995 Ugandan Constitution.
She is a signatory to the 1985 peace agreement in Uganda and supported women's participation in peace processes across several African countries.
The United Nations was founded in 1945.
Byanyima is internationally recognized for her advocacy regarding social justice and gender equality.
Byanyima scheduled for upcoming public lectures on global health
Byanyima will deliver an inaugural public lecture on 9 November 2026 titled "Fighting on the frontlines and shaping the future – African leadership in pandemic preparedness and response".
She will discuss lessons from the global HIV/AIDS response at the lecture. She is also the featured speaker for the 2026 Mahbub ul Haq Lecture, which focuses on feminist leadership, social movements, and women's security and freedom.
Global HIV response faces funding challenges
The UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board recently established a roadmap for the transition and integration of the Joint Programme into the United Nations system.
Funding for the global HIV response is currently at its lowest level in nearly two decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Winnie Byanyima Appointed Chair of International Environment Institute as UNAIDS Tenure Ends (chimpreports.com)
- Winnie Byanyima Appointed Chair of International Environment Institute Board - SoftPower News (softpower.ug)
- Winnie Byanyima lands in another international job (independent.co.ug)
- Kizza Besigye’s Wife Lands New Global Role (thekenyatimes.com)
- Winnie Byanyima (linkedin.com)
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google