Mr. Changseob Han

Mr. Changseob Han is the Head of Office of the United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), which is an integral of the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). In this role, he is dedicated to enhancing the capacities of public administrations in developing Member States, ensuring they are better equipped to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through effective governance and digital transformation. 

Under his leadership, UNPOG plays a crucial role in building institutional capacities, fostering inclusive digital government, and advancing open and citizen-centric public administration. Mr. Han is committed to supporting Member States in navigating the challenges of governance innovation, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and strategies necessary for effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. With over three decades of experience as a senior government official in the Republic of Korea (1991–2023), Mr. Han brings to the office extensive expertise in digital government innovation, open governance, and public service reform.

Prior to joining the United Nations, Mr. Han held key leadership positions, including Vice Minister, Deputy Minister for Government Innovation and Organization, Deputy Minister for Government Buildings Management, Director General for Human Resources Planning, Director General for Protocol and State Council and Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs in Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Government at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) of the Republic of Korea. His extensive portfolio also includes experience as Senior Administrator at the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea. Notably, between 2007 and 2009, he played a foundational role in establishing UNPOG, shaping its strategic direction to support governance advancements in developing Member States.

As a dedicated champion of public governance, Mr. Han is committed to strengthening the public governance capacities of developing Member States, fostering innovative and inclusive public administration systems, and ensuring that governments are well-positioned to implement transformative policies aligned with the 2030 Agenda. His leadership at UNPOG reflects a deep-seated passion for leveraging governance as a force for sustainable development, particularly in countries that require the most support.

Mr. Han holds a master’s degree in public administration from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Birmingham.