Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), marking a new chapter in her international leadership career.
Byanyima will assume the position in January 2027, following the conclusion of her tenure at UNAIDS on 31 December 2026. The appointment was announced by UNAIDS on 3 November.
IIED is an independent policy and research organisation working on climate change, nature loss and inequality. In her new role, Byanyima will lead the organisation’s board of trustees as it continues its work on sustainable development and environmental challenges.
Her appointment comes as she prepares to conclude seven years at the helm of UNAIDS. Appointed Executive Director in 2019, Byanyima has led the organisation through a period of significant challenges, including funding pressures and discussions about its future within the United Nations system.
At a special session of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board on 26 October, Byanyima confirmed that she would complete her mandate at the end of the year. She also reaffirmed her commitment to leading the organisation until her final day in office.
During her tenure, she has advocated for a global HIV response grounded in human rights, evidence and the leadership of communities affected by the epidemic.
UNAIDS said Byanyima had helped steer the organisation through a period of transformation while working to sustain the global response to HIV and AIDS.
Her move to IIED brings her experience in international development, public policy and global advocacy to an organisation focused on addressing the interconnected challenges of environmental sustainability and inequality.
