UNDP names Turkish expert to oversee 2026–2029 plan
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has appointed Turkish finance expert Sebnem Sener as Director for Strategic Plan Implementation and Integration, tasking her with overseeing the rollout of its 2026–2029 roadmap.
Sener assumed the post on Feb. 9, 2026, becoming the first Turkish woman to hold the director-level position within UNDP. Based at the agency’s Executive Office in New York, she reports directly to UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo.
In her new role, Sener will coordinate implementation of the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan across policy, programming, partnerships and financing, aligning priorities at global, regional and country levels to ensure measurable development results.
Sener holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from Middle East Technical University and a PhD from George Washington University. She has more than 20 years of experience in finance and development, including seven years at the World Bank working on financial sector reform and crisis preparedness. Since joining UNDP in 2015, she has led sustainable finance initiatives, most recently heading efforts to mobilise private capital for development.
UNDP, which operates in 170 countries and territories, said its 2026–2029 plan focuses on expanding prosperity, strengthening governance, protecting the planet and building resilience, supported by digital innovation, gender equality and sustainable finance.
