With 30 years of international experience in post-conflict leadership across diverse regions, Mr. Massimo Diana brings a unique blend of expertise to complex humanitarian and development challenges.
As of September 1, 2023, he serves as the UNFPA Representative to Ukraine, building on a successful tenure as Deputy Director of UNFPA's Humanitarian Response Division based in Geneva, where he directed global operations and emergency responses.
In some of the world's most challenging environments, including Syria and Sudan, Mr. Diana often assumed the role of acting Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator. As the UNFPA Representative in Syria and Sudan, he fostered productive relationships with governments, partners, and civil society in politically charged contexts. His leadership prioritized prevention and response to gender-based violence, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Mr. Diana's journey began in the private sector, focusing on construction and logistics, followed by military service. He transitioned to the humanitarian field during the Sarajevo Airlift with UNHCR in 1993. Subsequently, he worked with esteemed organizations such as the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (OHR), International Management Group (IMG), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and GOAL Ireland. In 2002, he joined the UN system as the UNDP Area-Based Development Senior Advisor in Bosnia.
Mr. Diana holds a Master of Business Administration from Pacific University, complemented by undergraduate studies in political science at Milan University and a high school diploma in civil engineering.
Fluent in English and Italian, Mr. Diana possesses mid-level proficiency in Bosnian and Croatian, with a basic command of French.
