Robert Glasser

The functions of the special representative include leading and overseeing UNISDR in the executions of its functions entrusted by the United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Economic and Social Council and the Hyogo Framework for Action and its successor the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, as well as policy directions by the secretary-general, overseeing the management of the Trust Fund for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, and carrying out high-level advocacy and resource mobilization activities for risk reduction and implementation.

[4][5] Prior to joining the United Nations, Glasser had from 2008 served as Secretary General of CARE (relief agency), one of the world’s largest non-governmental humanitarian organizations, active in over 80 countries.

From 2003 to 2007, he was the chief executive of CARE Australia, overseeing aid and humanitarian relief programmes in Cambodia, Viet Nam, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East.

Glasser has also been a member of the board of the Global Call for Climate Action, and was the inaugural board chairman of the CHS International Alliance, a new organization resulting from the June 2015 merger of People In Aid and Humanitarian Accountability Partnership International.

[6] Born in 1959, Glasser holds a PhD in international relations (strategic studies) from the Australian National University.