By SSI and agencies

NEW YORK, USA– Kemal Dervi, a former Turkish Minister of Economic Affairs, Member of the European Convention and World Bank executive, takes office this week as the new Administrator of UNDP.
Dervi is the first person from a country that receives development assistance to hold the top post at UNDP. He is expected to build on the internal reforms successfully instituted by his predecessor, Mark Malloch Brown, and further enhance UNDP’s role in helping developing countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Dervi will also succeed Malloch Brown as Chair of the UN Development Group, which coordinates the international assistance and reconstruction work of UN agencies. Prior to joining UNDP, Dervi was a member of the Turkish Parliament. In 2001 and 2002, as Turkish Minister for Economic Affairs and Treasury, his reforms ended his country’s deep financial crisis. His policies sparked sustained growth and helped Turkey become eligible for European Union membership. During his 22-year career at the World Bank, Dervi served as Director of the Central Europe Department, where he coordinated the support of the Bank and donor community to the peace and reconstruction process in Bosnia. In his role as Vice President for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management there, he helped develop the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers initiative, aimed at expanding reforms in the poorest countries with the inclusion of civil society in the policy formulation process.
Dervi’ latest book, “For Better Globalization” (2005), has received critical acclaim from former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo, Professor Francis Fukuyama and others for its innovative ideas on global governance, including its proposals on strengthening the UN.
In addition to his native Turkish, Dervi speaks fluent English, French, and German. He holds a doctorate in economics from Princeton University and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the London School of Economics.
Nominated by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in April, Dervi was confirmed by the General Assembly in May. When announcing the nomination, the Secretary-General said, “[He] combines a proven practical and intellectual track record in the fields of development and international finance with a passionate commitment to addressing the scourge of poverty and established skills as a manager.”
“I’m thrilled to be able to work with a great team at a great moment of opportunity,” Dervi told UNDP staff upon his arrival. “We are fortunate to be working together when, for the first time, it may be possible to make poverty history. Many of the building blocks for achieving that long-sought-after goal – including the economic lessons learned by developing countries and donors, the potential of private investment, the willingness to increase aid and recognition of the importance of democratic governance – are now in place.”
He added, “I pledge to do all I can to help build a world where the voices of all nations, especially the poorest, are heard at all levels and where effective policies are supported worldwide to end poverty.” •

The Sub-Saharan Informer, August 19, 2005