The announcement that Norway’s former environment minister as new head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) comes at an important moment, according to Peter Harris, Managing Director of GRID-Arendal.

“Erik Solheim has a reputation for progressive leadership, and his appointment will continue Norway’s legacy of progressive support to the UN and other international organizations,” said Harris.

The news of Mr. Solheim’s appointment was announced yesterday by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations. Mr. Solheim, who has been working with the OECD Development Assistance Committee in Paris, will take over from the outgoing UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, in June.

“GRID-Arendal is very pleased with the announcement of Mr. Solheim as the new Executive Director of UNEP and we extend to him our congratulations,” Harris said. “During his tenure as Minister of Environment and of International Development, Mr Solheim and his team were responsible for and guided GRID-Arendal’s efforts with respect to our historical and continuing partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme.”