Winnie Byanyima to chair environment institute board
The UNAIDS Executive Director will lead the International Institute for Environment and Development from January 2027.
Engineer Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, has been appointed chairperson of the board of trustees for the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). Byanyima will start her new role in January 2027, following her departure from UNAIDS on December 31, 2026. The IIED is a policy and research organisation focused on climate change, nature loss, inequality, and sustainable development.
Byanyima, a former Mbarara Member of Parliament, will lead an institution that collaborates with governments, communities, and civil society on development and environmental issues. UNAIDS congratulated her on November 3, acknowledging her leadership in steering the global HIV/AIDS programme through significant challenges and transformations.
She expressed honour at joining IIED during a challenging period for sustainable development and multilateralism, stating a shared belief in partnership for lasting change. IIED Executive Director Tom Mitchell noted that Byanyima's experience and commitment to social justice would strengthen the organisation's mission to advance fairer and more sustainable futures.
Why it mattersUgandan Winnie Byanyima will lead a global institute addressing climate change and sustainable development.