LIU, Zhenmin

Under-Secretary-General, United Nations

Mr LIU Zhenmin was appointed United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs in July 2017. Prior to his appointment, Mr LIU was Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of China since 2013. Among his various diplomatic assignments, he served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland (2011-2013). Mr LIU was deeply involved for 10 years in climate change negotiations including the conclusion of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Over the last several years, in various capacities, he has consistently advocated for sustainable development issues. Mr Liu has served the Foreign Affairs Ministry of China since 1982 in various capacities, including as Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs (2009-2011); Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations (2006-2009); Director-General, Department of Treaty and Law (2003-2006). As Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr LIU guides UN Secretariat support for the follow-up processes of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He also oversees the substantive services to many intergovernmental processes, including the annual meetings of the Second and Third Committees of the General Assembly and the meetings of the Economic and Social Council. In addition, Mr LIU oversees DESA’s policy analysis and capacity development work. He also and advises the United Nations Secretary-General on all development-related issues, including climate change, internet governance, and financing for development. Mr. LIU holds a Master of Laws from the Law School of Peking University. He was born in Shanxi Province, China. Mr LIU is married.