Clark First Choice for UN Role

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has been tipped to head the United Nations Development Programme, according to an unnamed UN official. If confirmed in this posting, Clark will be responsible for the administration of projects in 166 countries and become the third most powerful official in the UN’s hierarchy. With an annual budget of US$5 billion, the Programme’s activities are targeted to achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, which address such global issues as poverty, education, health and environmental sustainability. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who reportedly nominated Clark for the post, is expected to officially announce her appointment today.