UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has been appointed chair of the board of trustees of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
The appointment, announced on November 3, 2026, will take effect in January 2027, following her departure from UNAIDS at the end of December.
In a statement, UNAIDS congratulated Byanyima on her new role, describing IIED as an independent policy and research organisation working on climate change, nature loss and inequality.
Byanyima announced her departure from UNAIDS during a special session of the organisation’s Programme Coordinating Board on October 26, saying she remained committed to leading the agency until the end of her mandate on December 31, 2026.
UNAIDS credited her with guiding the organisation through a period of significant challenges and transformation, strengthening its foundations and sustaining global efforts to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
During her tenure, the agency continued to promote an evidence-based and human rights-centred response, with people living with HIV and affected communities at the centre of its work.
IIED works on policy and research aimed at addressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development and social equity.
