CAR awards Rwandan devpt expert with high decoration

Dr. Jean-Luc Stalon, a Rwandan development expert and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the Central African Republic (CAR), has been elevated to the rank of Commandeur de l'Ordre National de la Reconnaissance Centrafricaine, one of the highest honours bestowed by the country's leadership. ALSO READ: Rwandan vet wins Rwf190m award for protecting grey crowned cranes The historic recognition underscores how Rwandan excellence continues to shape global development and international diplomacy. Established in 1962, the Ordre National de la Reconnaissance Centrafricaine is the second-highest decoration in the Central African Republic, reserved for individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the nation. Dr. Stalon has 28 years of service with the United Nations across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. His extensive career has been marked by leadership in post-crisis recovery, sustainable development programming, and peace-building initiatives that have impacted communities across multiple continents. ALSO READ: Rwandan students win top honors at Singapore university Currently serving as UNDP Resident Representative in CAR since October 2022, Stalon has led critical stabilization efforts in one of the world's most challenging development contexts. His work has focused on addressing social, economic, and governance needs while building foundations for lasting peace and sustainable development. Security provides the foundation, but stabilization paves the way for lasting peace by addressing underlying social, economic, and governance needs, ensuring peace endures, Dr. Stalon noted in recent remarks about the UN programme in CAR. The Rwandan development expert holds a PhD in Political Sciences from the University of Yaoundé II and advanced studies from the Sorbonne in Paris. He is also a published author, having written extensively on development challenges, including his 2022 book La croissance élitiste (Elitist Growth), which explores mechanisms used by elites to capture wealth in contexts of multidimensional crises and rising inequalities. Before his appointment to CAR, Stalon served as UNDP Resident Representative in Cameroon for three years, where he led major development initiatives including the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development for Cameroon's Northwest and Southwest regions. His career has also included roles in Mali, Singapore, Pakistan, Kosovo, Somalia, and other countries. He has achieved substantial results in partnership building and resource mobilization alongside governments and possesses knowledge of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

News

CAR awards Rwandan devpt expert with high decoration