Simon Springett of the United States appointed as UN Resident Coordinator in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Simon Springett of the United States as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with the host Government’s approval. As the highest-ranking official of the UN development system in the Eastern Caribbean, Mr. Springett will lead the UN Sub-regional Team (UNST) across 10 countries and territories.

Mr. Springett of the United States brings 30 years of international experience in humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding operations. Previously he served as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova; and as the United Nations Resident Coordinator, United Nations Development Programme  (UNDP) Resident Representative, and the United Nations Population Fund  (UNFPA) Representative for both Mauritius and the Seychelles. 

In his new role. Springett will champion the UN's mandates and advocate for the delivery of the Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDCF) in close collaboration with national governments and regional institutions. A key focus will be strengthening cooperation and effectiveness of UN operational activities throughout the region.

Before joining the United Nations, Springett was Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director for Response Operations at the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom/Palladium.  Prior to this, he worked in senior management posts with international NGO Oxfam (specializing in rapid humanitarian responses) and served as director and trustee in a number of international organizations. 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geology from the College of Wooster (USA) and a Master of Science in development practice  (humanitarian protection) from Oxford Brookes University (United Kingdom), . 

In addition to his development expertise, Mr. Springett will also serve as the Designated Official (DO) for Security, ensuring the safety and security of all UN personnel and their dependents in the region.