Ms. Lily Y. YangLiu of Canada to retire as First Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy and Research

Executive Director Jaewon Choi today announced that Ms. Lily Y. YangLiu of Canada, First Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy and Research and Deputy Head of Organisation, will retire from the Secretariat upon the convening of the Foundation's next Annual Meetings.

Ms. YangLiu is separating from the Foundation voluntarily, following her nomination by the General Membership for the candidacy of President of the Governing Body at its Seventh Session.

As First Deputy Executive Director, Ms. YangLiu has led the Foundation's advocacy and research portfolio, guiding its interventions across the intergovernmental system and its programme of research, and has served as Deputy Head of Organisation. She is also Director of the Katija Hyoungjoo Neuber Institute, a function held concurrently with her office.

Ms. YangLiu has represented the Foundation in international fora, including the Bermuda Youth Climate Summit, and was named among Corporate Knights' 30 Under 30 youth sustainability leaders of Canada in 2025 for her work with the Foundation and her climate education initiatives in British Columbia.

The Executive Director expressed his deep appreciation for Ms. YangLiu's dedicated service and leadership over the course of her tenure, and his gratitude for her contributions to the Foundation's advocacy, research and institutional development. He extended his best wishes for her candidacy.

Arrangements for the discharge of the functions of the First Deputy Executive Director will be announced in due course.

This article is part of the Foundation’s public record of its engagements and programmes.

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