New York, January 13, 2026 – The Europe Today: Romania has been elected to serve as President of the Executive Council of the United Nations’ principal development agencies for the year 2026. The decision was taken by consensus at the Executive Council meeting held yesterday in New York, reflecting Romania’s strong standing as a reliable and credible partner within the UN system.
The role will be assumed by Romania’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Cornel Feruțan, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. Ambassador Feruțan’s leadership, combined with the expertise of Romania’s UN team, is expected to play a pivotal role during this period of institutional change.
The presidency comes at a crucial moment, coinciding with efforts to advance comprehensive reforms across the UN system. As President of the Executive Council, Romania will lead negotiations alongside the UN Secretary-General’s proposals, working to align the various entities within the UN development framework.
The Executive Council of UNDP, UNOPS, and UNFPA consists of 36 member states representing all global regions, elected for three-year terms. Romania has been a member of the council since 2024.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a projected budget of $23.8 billion for 2026–2029, operates in 170 countries and territories, promoting poverty reduction, reducing inequalities, strengthening democratic institutions, and improving living conditions worldwide.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with a budget of $4.8 billion, focuses on addressing population challenges, supporting governments in planning for demographic needs, combating gender-based violence, and protecting women across 150 countries.
The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), active in 188 countries with an estimated $3 billion budget, provides project management, infrastructure development, and procurement services, supporting peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Multilateralism requires both defense and reform in these times, and we are confident that Romania’s leadership provides the necessary balance,” stated the Romanian delegation. “We will continue to work diligently to advance Romania’s contribution to global governance, bringing perspectives shaped by our experiences to the evolving multilateral agenda.”
