Clark’s UN role confirmed

26 March 2009 – Helen Clark’s nomination to lead the United Nations Development Program has been officially announced by Michele Montas, spokeswoman for the UN secretary general, in New York today. As the former New Zealand Prime Minister, Clark is the first politician to occupy the role of Administrator, which effectively places her as third in command of the UN. The nomination announcement noted Clark’s “outstanding qualifications and numerous accomplishments in her long career”. Phil Goff, Ms Clark’s replacement as the Labour Party’s leader, has called the appointment “great for her and great for New Zealand”.