New United Nations Resident Coordinator in Indonesia Assumes Office

The United Nations in Indonesia welcomed the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) for Indonesia, Ms. Valerie Julliand, this week who officially assumed the office, with the host Government’s approval.

Upon arriving in Indonesia and taking up her post as the highest UN official in Indonesia, Ms. Julliand said: “2020 is a momentous year for the United Nations and Indonesia, as both turn 75. Together, we are committed to building a nation that is prosperous, democratic and just, where development benefits all people, and where the rights of future generations are protected. As the COVID-19 pandemic plunged us into an acute health and economic crisis with severe socio-economic impacts, the pandemic has underscored the need for strengthened and renewed solidarity and cooperation.”



She further added: “I am inspired by the country’s continued commitment to multilateralism and global solidarity amidst this challenging time and I am also honoured to take on this new journey together. As part of the United Nations family in Indonesia, I am looking forward to working closely with partners, change-makers and youths, and to bring the UN closer to the people it serves.”



Previously, Ms. Julliand was the Resident Coordinator in Nepal since 2016. Prior to her post in Nepal, she held the position of Resident Coordinator/Resident Representative in Guatemala (2013-2016) and in the Dominican Republic (2009-2013). From 1994 to 2008 Valerie was with the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) where she served as Head of IRIN News, Regional Office for West Africa (2006-2008) and Head of the Regional Office for East Africa and the Great Lakes (1999-2006). She worked in Angola for four years on various assignments as Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Demobilization and Reintegration Program Manager and Vulnerable Groups Program Officer.



Prior to joining UNOCHA, Ms. Julliand undertook voluntary work in Bukavu in Eastern DRC (1995) and was Program Director for Handicap International in Serbia and Bosnia (1993-1994). From 1984-1992, she worked in various positions in publishing companies in Paris, most notably as General Director of BIBA (a French women's magazine) and Publisher of various magazines in the "Groupe Express" in France.



Ms. Julliand, a French national, holds a Masters in Political Science from the Institute d'Etudes Politiques, France and an MPhil in Human Resources Management from the Institute de Gestion Sociale, France.  She speaks French, Spanish and English.