The National University of Singapore (NUS) has appointed former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Rector of Ridge View Residential College Dr Noeleen Heyzer as Pro-Chancellor of the University. The appointment was made by Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor, with effect from 1 August 2026, for a term of three years.

Dr Noeleen (NUS Sociology alumna (1971), FASS Distinguished Arts and Social Sciences Alumni Award 2017 conferee, and former FASS Faculty Advisory Board member) will join current NUS Pro-Chancellors Mr Gautam Banerjee, Mrs Theresa Foo, Professor S Jayakumar, and Mr Po’ad Mattar in the University’s Chancellery, headed by the NUS Chancellor. University Pro-Chancellors act on behalf of the Chancellor during the Chancellor’s absence from the University and preside at the annual Commencement ceremonies.

“NUS is honoured and privileged to welcome Dr Noeleen Heyzer as our Pro-Chancellor. Dr Noeleen’s exemplary leadership at the United Nations and lifelong dedication to sustainable development and social progress reflect the values we cherish,” said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye. “Dr Noeleen’s global vision, deep commitment to public service, and unwavering drive for positive change will deeply enrich our university community. Her rich experience will guide us as we nurture leaders, advance knowledge for the public good, and strengthen NUS’ role as a leading university shaping the future of Singapore, Asia and the world.”

A trailblazer of women’s global leadership for equality, development and peace
Dr Noeleen Heyzer has dedicated her life to building a more peaceful and sustainable world and raised Singapore’s international profile during her career at the United Nations (UN) and beyond. She served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) from 2007 to 2014 and was the highest-ranking Singaporean in the UN system during her term.

She was the first woman to serve as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) since its founding in 1947. Under her leadership (2007-2014), ESCAP had grown in profile and stature, focusing on regional co-operation for a more resilient Asia-Pacific, founded on shared prosperity, social equity, and sustainable development. Major milestones included intergovernmental agreements on regional transport and logistics, inclusive socio-economic policies, disaster preparedness, paperless trade, and financing and technology for an inclusive and green future.

Prior to this, Dr Noeleen was the first woman from outside North America to head the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). During her tenure (1994-2007), she transformed UNIFEM from a small organisation into a leading powerhouse empowering women globally. She was instrumental in securing the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security which criminalises sexual violence, and recognises women as essential to sustainable peace and post-conflict recovery.

As the UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Timor-Leste (2013-2015) and later as Special Envoy on Myanmar (2021-2023), Dr Noeleen worked closely with conflict-affected communities and leaders to forge a path towards peace. Between these appointments, she served as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation (2017–2021), where she contributed her expertise to support mediation efforts in diverse conflict settings worldwide.

A trusted voice in global governance, Dr Noeleen continues to contribute her insights through her service on many boards and committees, including the NUS Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2019. She currently serves as the Rector of the Ridge View Residential College at NUS.

In recognition of her visionary leadership in advancing the empowerment of women globally, raising Singapore’s international profile and making a global impact, Dr Noeleen was conferred the NUS Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in 2025. The Honorary Degree is the University’s highest form of recognition of outstanding individuals who have rendered distinguished service and have had a noteworthy impact in Singapore and globally.

Dr Noeleen said, “I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to be appointed as a Pro-Chancellor of our nation’s most distinguished university. The National University of Singapore (NUS) has shaped generations of thinkers, doers, and leaders with character and purpose whom it sends into the wider world. I shall do my utmost to serve NUS with integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment, and to uphold the values of excellence that it represents.”