Global perspective Human stories

Danish national appointed to lead UN peacebuilding efforts in Sierra Leone

Jens Toyberg-Frandzen (left, facing camera), the newly-appointed Executive Representative and head of the  UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (file photo). UN/UNDP/N. Al Sayyad
Jens Toyberg-Frandzen (left, facing camera), the newly-appointed Executive Representative and head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (file photo). UN/UNDP/N. Al Sayyad

Danish national appointed to lead UN peacebuilding efforts in Sierra Leone

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen of Denmark to spearhead United Nations efforts to assist Sierra Leone in consolidating its hard-won peace.

The new envoy will replace Michael von der Schulenburg as the Executive Representative and head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL).

“Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen is well qualified to support the efforts of Sierra Leone in achieving its peacebuilding and development priorities,” the UN said, as it announced the appointment of the veteran staffer, who has over 30 years of experience with the world body.

Mr. Ban voiced his gratitude to Mr. von der Schulenburg for his excellent service as the head of UNIPSIL, which has contributed to the peacebuilding and development priorities of Sierra Leone.

Set up by the Security Council in 2008, UNIPSIL provides political advice to foster peace and political consolidation, offers support and training to the national police and security forces, and builds the capacity of democratic institutions in furtherance of good governance and the promotion and protection of human rights.