Xiaojun Grace Wang has officially assumed her duties as UN Resident Coordinator. Her appointment to this high-ranking position, approved by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, took effect on July 1. The diplomat replaces Dmitry Shlapachenko, who successfully led the country mission for the past five years.
With the arrival of the new leader, cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations is receiving a powerful boost in expertise. Xiaojun Grace Wang’s professional portfolio includes 28 years of continuous work in global development. During this time, she has established herself as a leading expert in building multilateral partnerships, mobilizing strategic resources, and implementing large-scale international programs.
Prior to arriving in Ashgabat, the diplomat held a senior position in the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, where she directly oversaw the work of a trust fund focused on supporting sustainable growth programs. Furthermore, the new coordinator has extensive experience interacting with academic circles, major international foundations, and leading media platforms in Asia and Europe.
As the country’s International Information Center emphasizes, Xiaojun Grace Wang’s deep, multidisciplinary expertise will significantly strengthen and expand joint efforts. Her primary focus in her new position will be on synergies between Turkmenistan’s national programs and the global Sustainable Development Agenda.
