The United Nations’ top environmental chief resigned Tuesday after coming under scrutiny for his travel expenses.
Nov. 20 (UPI) — The United Nations’ top environmental chief resigned Tuesday after coming under scrutiny for his travel expenses.
Erik Solheim, executive director of the U. N. Environment Program, said his resignation was expected to go into effect Thursday.
“It is my most sincere hope that this proves to be in the best interest of U. N. Environment and the wider U. N. Despite the challenges this moment brings, I also hope each of you will take pride in what we have achieved together,” he said in a statement.
An internal audit obtained by The Guardian found that Solheim spent $488,518 traveling 529 out of 668 days, doubling what was spent between 2014 and 2017.
U. N. officials accused Solheim of “obscene CO2 hypocrisy” and said his travel was a “reputation risk” for the United Nations. Some member countries withheld funds over his conduct.
The audit determined he had “no regard for abiding by the set regulations and rules” and improperly accounted for some of his expenditures.
