Alessandro Marraich Appointed as New UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon announced in a statement that "As of November 1, 2026, Alessandro Marraich has assumed his duties as the new Resident Representative of UNDP in Lebanon. Marraich will lead UNDP's work to support Lebanon's national development priorities, working closely with government institutions, local communities, and development partners to drive recovery efforts, enhance governance, and expand economic opportunities."

It noted that "Marraich possesses more than 20 years of experience in international development, most of which was spent in the Arab world, where he worked in areas such as crisis response, stabilization, recovery, and institutional development."

Marraich said: "I am honored to take on this position and join the UNDP team in Lebanon. I look forward to listening, learning, and working closely with national institutions, local communities, and partners. We have important work ahead, whether in responding to immediate recovery needs or supporting reforms and long-term development priorities in the country. Within the framework of United Nations support, UNDP will continue its efforts to bring about tangible positive change in people's lives."

The statement added: "Before his appointment in Lebanon, Marraich served as Head of the UNDP Sub-office in Gaza, where he led programs supporting essential services, livelihoods, and local economic recovery, in cooperation with national and local institutions, UN agencies, and international partners. He previously served as Acting Resident Representative of UNDP in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and held senior positions at the Regional Bureau for Arab States of the programme in New York, Brussels, and Amman. His experience includes policy advice, preparation and implementation of country and regional programmes, and building partnerships with governments, international financial institutions, and development partners, in addition to assignments in the State of Palestine, Iraq, and Pakistan. Marraich holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, and a degree in Architecture from the University of Florence in Italy. He is Italian, speaks Italian, English, and Spanish, and is married with three children."

The statement concluded by recalling that "UNDP in Lebanon has been operating for more than six decades, supporting national and local efforts aimed at strengthening governance, improving basic services, providing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development. It also works with partners across the country to link immediate recovery needs with long-term development priorities."