Zia Choudhury made UN resident coordinator in Botswana

Zia Chowdhury, the country director of CARE Bangladesh, has been appointed as UN resident coordinator in Botswana.

UN Secretary General António Guterres announced Zia's appointment as the UN resident coordinator with the host government’s approval on Thursday, according to a press release.

“As a Bangladeshi, it will be such an honour and privilege to serve as UN resident coordinator in Botswana," Zia said.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the government of Bangladesh, particularly officials from NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Zia also said: "The government has extended its  support and cooperation that enabled CARE to reach  out  to millions with development and humanitarian programs.

“I wish my fellow Bangladeshis and its government every success in their drive to achieve the    Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Zia started his career as a national field officer in Bhola about 25 years ago, and has since worked in coordination and leadership roles across Africa, Asia and Europe.

A graduate from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Zia also holds a Master of Science in management and implementation of development projects from Manchester University in the UK.

Earlier, famous Bangladeshis who served as resident coordinator were Subinay Nandy and Ameerah Haq – who later served as United Nations undersecretary general.