Erik Solheim served as Executive Director of UNEP between May 2016 and November 2018, following an extensive career focusing on environment and development.

Prior to joining UNEP, Mr. Solheim was the chair of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. In this capacity, he emphasized the role of private sector and tax in development finance, spearheading the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership and the Addis Tax Initiative.

From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Solheim held the combined portfolio of Norway’s Minister of the Environment and International Development, and from 2005 to 2007 served as Minister of International Development. This unique portfolio mixture allowed him to bring a coherent approach to development and the environment.

Mr. Solheim is also an experienced peace negotiator, having acted as the main facilitator of the peace process in Sri Lanka from 1998 to 2005. The peace process led to a ceasefire and the Oslo Declaration in 2002, where parties welcomed a federal state in Sri Lanka. He has also contributed to peace processes in Sudan, Nepal, Myanmar and Burundi.

Mr. Solheim holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Oslo.