United Nations Environment Programme executive director Erik Solheim resigned effective November 22, 2018, after receiving the final report from the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services on official travel.
The announcement came on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, as pressure mounted over allegations that he had spent millions of shillings on unnecessary travel expenses in just 22 months. Solheim, who led the Nairobi-based UN Environment after succeeding Achim Steiner, had faced criticism following a draft audit report.
In a statement, Solheim said he had informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres of his decision and that Guterres would shortly appoint an officer in charge of the organisation.
“Moments ago, with a heavy heart, I informed the Secretary-General (António Guterres) of my decision. He indicated that he will shortly be appointing an Officer in Charge of the Organisation.
It is my most sincere hope that this proves to be in the best interest of UN Environment and the wider UN. Despite the challenges this moment brings, I also hope each of you will take pride in what we have achieved together,”
He said that in 2017 he had responded to the Secretary-General’s call for “a dramatic change in culture” and a new direction for the UN, adding that he wanted UN Environment to be a lead agency for reform.
Solheim also said he had tried to implement that vision and leave the organisation “more capable and more impactful.” He thanked colleagues who worked to bring the agency closer to member states and to the frontlines of urgent environmental issues.
He said he remained committed to doing what he believed was in the best interest of UN Environment and its mission, and maintained that he was still a committed friend of the agency regardless of the circumstances.
