13 Apr 2013

Helen Clark reappointed to top UN role

11:31 am on 13 April 2013

Helen Clark has been reappointed head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Her second four-year term at the helm of the development agency was confirmed at the 67th session of the UN General Assembly on Friday.

The former New Zealand Prime Minister took up the role in April 2009 and is the first woman to lead the UN's global development network.

The position is the third highest in the UN and has responsiblity for the programme's $US5 billion budget and nearly 8000 staff in 166 countries.

She is also the chair of the United Nations Development Group, a committee consisting of the heads of the 32 UN funds.

In a statement Ms Clark said the development programme's priorities during her second term would continue to be sustainable human development and poverty eradication.

"I thank the Member States of the United Nations General Assembly and the Secretary-General for their confidence in me to lead the organization for another term," her statement said.

Ms Clark's second term will begin on 20 April 2013.