UN appoints Rasul Baghirov resident coordinator in Belarus

March 28, Pozirk. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Rasul Baghirov of Azerbaijan as UN resident coordinator in Belarus.

According to the United Nations press office, the appointment was agreed with the Belarusian government. Baghirov will begin work tomorrow.

“Dr. Baghirov, brings more than 25 years of experience in human development, health, education and social protection,” the UN said.

“He currently serves as country strategy and support unit within the Director-General’s Office at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva.”

Baghirov previously led WHO’s multi-country offices in Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, and managed WHO programs in Europe, the Caribbean and the Western Pacific.

He also worked at the World Bank Group, “where he collaborated closely with governments, civil society organizations, partners and donor communities to design and implement evidence-based policies and services.”

“Dr. Baghirov holds professional degrees in medicine, general management and health economics from universities spanning Baku, London, Nottingham and Aberdeen,” the UN said.

Since June 2023, the office in Belarus has been led by acting coordinator Erol Arduç. He succeeded Joanna Kazana-Wisniowiecki, who had served as resident coordinator since May 2018.