Noeleen Heyzer

Born in Singapore to a Eurasian father and a Chinese mother,{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Theresa |date=2014-03-11 |title=She put Singapore on UN map |url=https://www.asiaone.com/women/she-put-singapore-un-map |access-date=2021-11-04 |website=AsiaOne}} Heyzer holds a Bachelor of Arts with upper honours degree and a Master of Science degree from the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore). She obtained a PhD in social sciences from the Lucy Cavendish College at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Prior to her appointment to ESCAP, Heyzer was the first woman from the South{{clarify|date=June 2022}} to head the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). She became its longest serving executive director, serving at the helm for thirteen years during October 1994 to August 2007, and transformed it from a small entity to a leading powerhouse in women's empowerment and gender equality.

Through her leadership, UNIFEM assisted over 100 countries in the formulation and implementation of legislation and policies that promote women's security and rights. This resulted in the removal of discriminatory practices, changes in inheritance laws for women, better working conditions for migrant workers, full participation for women in several peace negotiations and electoral processes including in Liberia, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Timor-Leste, and the inclusion of women as full citizens in the constitution of Afghanistan.

Heyzer played a critical role in the adoption and implementation of the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security,{{Cite web |title=United Nations Official Document |url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1325(2000) |url-status=dead |website=www.un.org |access-date=29 June 2017 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726020423/https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/1325(2000) }}{{Cite web |last1=Rehn |first1=Elisabeth |author-link=Elisabeth Rehn |last2=Johnson Sirleaf |first2=Ellen |author-link2=Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |date=2002 |title=Women War Peace The Independent Experts Assessment on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Women s Role in Peace Building (Progress of the World's Women 2002, Vol. 1) |url=http://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2002/1/women-war-peace-the-independent-experts-assessment-on-the-impact-of-armed-conflict-on-women-and-women-s-role-in-peace-building-progress-of-the-world-s-women-2002-vol-1 |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations Development Fund for Women}} undertaking extensive missions to conflict-affected countries worldwide. She was responsible for the establishment of the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women{{Cite web |date=2006-11-22 |title=Press Conference by United Nations Development Fund for Women |url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2006/061122_UNIFEM.doc.htm |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations Department of Public Information}}{{Cite web |title=UNITED NATIONS - OFFICE FOR PARTNERSHIPS |url=https://www.un.org/partnerships/YNewsUNIFEM10Ann.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=29 June 2017 |archive-date=13 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913205625/http://www.un.org/partnerships/YNewsUNIFEM10Ann.htm }} and for appointing actress Nicole Kidman as UNIFEM's Goodwill Ambassador to campaign against this violence.{{Cite web |date=January 2006 |title=Actress Nicole Kidman Joins UNIFEM as New Goodwill Ambassador |url=http://un.by/en/news/world/2006/30-01-06-04.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110114149/http://un.by/en/news/world/2006/30-01-06-04.html |archive-date=2014-11-10 |access-date=2014-11-10 |website=United Nations |type=Press release}}{{Cite web |title=UN Women - News: Goodwill ambassador Nicole Kiddman |url=http://www.unifemuk.org/news-unifem-goodwill-ambassador-nicole-kidman.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208105712/http://www.unifemuk.org/news-unifem-goodwill-ambassador-nicole-kidman.php |archive-date=8 December 2014 |access-date=10 November 2014 |website=UNIFEM UK}} She led UNIFEM's restructuring to maximize organizational performance. Consequently, UNIFEM increased its resources tenfold, strengthened its programmes, ground presence and team leadership, and successfully advocated to put issues affecting women high on the agenda of the whole United Nations system.{{Cite web |date=2001 |title=UNIFEM 2001 Annual Report, Part 1 |url=http://www.peacewomen.org/assets/file/Resources/UNReports/unifem_annualreportpart1_2001.pdf |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations Development Fund for Women}}{{Cite web |date=2001 |title=UNIFEM 2001 Annual Report, Part 2 |url=http://www.peacewomen.org/assets/file/Resources/UNReports/unifem_annualreportpart2_2001.pdf |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations Development Fund for Women}} She and her team were instrumental in the establishment of UN Women (the successor to UNIFEM) – to ensure that the United Nations will always have a strong institutional voice for women at its highest decision-making table.

File:The Executive Secretary, UN-ESCAP, Ms. Noeleen Heyzer meeting with the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Kamal Nath, in New Delhi on March 26, 2008.jpg in New Delhi in 2008]]

As the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific during August 2007 to January 2014, she strengthened ESCAP's capacity and effectiveness to support the countries of the region, using its convening powers and standard-setting authority, rigorous analysis, technical and policy assistance to build the economic and social foundations for inclusive and sustainable development.{{Cite web |title=Inspiring Leadership: An Asia-Pacific Journey Towards Sustainable and Shared Prosperity |url=http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/ESCAP_Legacy_book.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115432/http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/ESCAP_Legacy_book.pdf |archive-date=2014-11-10 |access-date=2014-11-10 |website=United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2013-04-23 |title=ESCAP Annual Report 2013 |url=https://issuu.com/escap-publications/docs/escap-annual-report-2013 |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |via=Issuu}} She worked with key political leaders and decision-makers in 54 Member States to shape regional policy agendas for Asia Pacific's transition towards sustainable and shared prosperity, and established regional cooperation mechanisms to address the "new normal" of volatility, such as the food-fuel-finance crises and climate change. She focused on harnessing development opportunities through multi-stakeholder alliances and partnerships to sustain development gains, reduce poverty and inequalities, transforming the quality of people's lives.{{Cite book |date=2009 |title=Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2009: Addressing Triple Threats to Development |url=https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/01-Cover-Survey2009.pdf |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |isbn=9789211205770 |issn=0252-5704}}

Among the many significant achievements of the region, under her tenure with ESCAP, have been groundbreaking intergovernmental agreements on a regional intermodal transport and logistical system, especially for landlocked developing countries; and initiatives such as Regional Connectivity including assistance in the formulation of ASEAN's Connectivity Master Plan,{{Cite web|url=http://www.unescap.org/news/addressing-east-asia-summit-escap-chief-outlines-how-asian-countries-can-better-connect-each|title=Addressing East Asia Summit, ESCAP chief outlines how Asian countries can better connect with each other|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115149/http://www.unescap.org/news/addressing-east-asia-summit-escap-chief-outlines-how-asian-countries-can-better-connect-each}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.unescap.org/speeches/escaps-role-promoting-regional-connectivity-and-development|title=ESCAP's Role in Promoting Regional Connectivity and Development|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115822/http://www.unescap.org/speeches/escaps-role-promoting-regional-connectivity-and-development}}{{Cite web |last=United Nations News Services Section |title=United Nations News Centre |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/sgspeeches/statments_full.asp?statID=2024#.VGBrNzSUc1I |website=UN News Service Section}} exploration of an Asia-Pacific Energy Highway,{{Cite web |title=Documents | United Nations ESCAP |url=https://www.unescap.org/commission/68/documents/English/2012-Resolutions-E68_24E.pdf |website=www.unescap.org |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032356/http://www.unescap.org/commission/68/documents/English/2012-Resolutions-E68_24E.pdf }} an ICT super-highway,{{Cite web |title=Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway | United Nations ESCAP |url=https://www.unescap.org/our-work/ict-disaster-risk-reduction/asia-pacific-information-superhighway/resources?page=1 |website=www.unescap.org |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801224739/https://www.unescap.org/our-work/ict-disaster-risk-reduction/asia-pacific-information-superhighway/resources?page=1 }} and the negotiation supporting the new Silk Route of economic development in Central Asia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unescap.org/speeches/building-silk-super-highway-central-asia|title=Building the Silk Super-Highway in Central Asia|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115833/http://www.unescap.org/speeches/building-silk-super-highway-central-asia}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.unescap.org/news/creating-silk-super-highway-central-asia|title=Creating the Silk Super-Highway in Central Asia|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115927/http://www.unescap.org/news/creating-silk-super-highway-central-asia}} Other major milestones are the regional action plans on inclusive socioeconomic policies and social protection;{{Cite web |title=Theme study.html | United Nations ESCAP |url=https://www.unescap.org/commission/67/theme-study.html |website=www.unescap.org |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304131557/http://www.unescap.org/commission/67/theme-study.html }}{{Cite web |title=Documents | United Nations ESCAP |url=https://www.unescap.org/commission/67/documents/theme-study-Promise-of-Protection.pdf |website=www.unescap.org |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034316/http://www.unescap.org/commission/67/documents/theme-study-Promise-of-Protection.pdf }} the strengthening of vital statistics and civil registration;{{Cite web|url=http://www.unescap.org/news/un-makes-every-life-count-human-rights-day|title=UN Makes Every Life Count on Human Rights Day|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115011/http://www.unescap.org/news/un-makes-every-life-count-human-rights-day}}{{Cite web |title=United Nations ESCAP Pacific Office |url=https://www.facebook.com/unescappacific/posts/217180631773711 |website=www.facebook.com}} financing and technology for an inclusive and green future;{{Cite web |url=http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/themestudy2010-overview-booklet.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=10 November 2014 |archive-date=10 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110120007/http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/themestudy2010-overview-booklet.pdf }} the building of productive capacities of Least Developed Countries and secure employment in vulnerable communities; the empowerment of women and youth. She was also responsible for the establishment of ESCAP's works on resilience to man-made and natural disasters, and the stewardship of water, energy and natural resources especially for small islands states, least developed and landlocked countries.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unescap.org/speeches/escap-69th-commission-session-building-social-economic-environmental-resilience-asia-and|title=ESCAP 69th Commission Session - Building Social, Economic & Environmental Resilience in Asia and the Pacific|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115242/http://www.unescap.org/speeches/escap-69th-commission-session-building-social-economic-environmental-resilience-asia-and}}

File:Christiana Figueres and Noeleen Heyzer.jpg at the Bangkok Climate Change Talks in 2012]]

In 2009, Heyzer led an unprecedented dialogue with Myanmar's leaders on development and poverty reduction, resulting in the Government of Myanmar requesting the formation of a development partnership that has allowed practitioners and eminent international scholars, such as the Nobel Prize economist Joseph Stiglitz, and local researchers to exchange experiences and ideas with government agencies and civil society.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unescap.org/speeches/escap-myanmar-partnership-regional-support-inclusive-and-sustainable-development|title=ESCAP-Myanmar Partnership: Regional Support for Inclusive and Sustainable Development|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115254/http://www.unescap.org/speeches/escap-myanmar-partnership-regional-support-inclusive-and-sustainable-development}} This has been regarded by many as helping to catalyze the opening-up of the country from its former isolation.{{Cite journal |last=Rieffel |first=Lex |date=2010 |title=The Economy of Burma/Myanmar on the Eve of the 2010 Elections |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep12235|publisher=US Institute of Peace}} In 2008, she also worked closely with ASEAN, the Government of Myanmar, and the UN in the recovery efforts assisting cyclone-affected people in the Ayeyarwady Delta.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unescap.org/news/meeting-post-nargis-recovery-and-livelihood-opportunities-myanmar|title=Meeting on Post-Nargis Recovery and Livelihood Opportunities in Myanmar|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110115619/http://www.unescap.org/news/meeting-post-nargis-recovery-and-livelihood-opportunities-myanmar}}

On 25 October 2021, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Heyzer as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) on Myanmar. After assuming the post on 13 December 2021 succeeding Christine Schraner Burgener,[https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sga2070.doc.htm Secretary-General Appoints Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore Special Envoy on Myanmar] United Nations, press release of October 25, 2021.Michelle Nichols (October 25, 2021), [https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-chief-appoints-singaporean-new-myanmar-special-envoy-2021-10-25/ U.N. chief appoints Singaporean as new Myanmar special envoy] Reuters, October 27, 2021. Heyzer set out a multi-track strategy promoting regional and international unity to support the will of the people of Myanmar and their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic and inclusive future.[https://myanmar.un.org/en/168045-readout-special-envoy-secretary-general-myanmars-virtual-call-prime-minister-kingdom/ Readout of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar’s virtual call with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia] United Nations, statement of 13 January 2022. In June 2023 Heyzer left this role. In April 2024 Julie Bishop became the new United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/06/julie-bishop-appointed-united-nations-special-envoy-for-myanmar |date=5 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024|archive-date=9 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409024620/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Faustralia-news%2F2024%2Fapr%2F06%2Fjulie-bishop-appointed-united-nations-special-envoy-for-myanmar|url-status=live|quote=Bishop, the Australian National University’s chancellor, will take up the UN role that has been vacant since June last year, when Singaporean diplomat Noeleen Heyzer stepped down.|title=Julie Bishop 'deeply honoured' to be appointed UN special envoy for Myanmar|work=Australian Associated Press |first=Rafqa |last=Touma |via=The Guardian}}

Heyzer provoked controversy during an interview with CNA on 31 January 2022 when asked about the possibility of a power-sharing arrangement between the State Administration Council (the military junta put in place by the Tatmadaw following the coup d'état) and the democratically elected government – an idea firmly opposed by the Myanmar people – Heyzer responded: "The point is, we have to start a [peace negotiation] process. And you can’t immediately come in with the ultimate solution of what you want. The military is in control at this particular time and something has got to be worked out. It could be a process," she said.{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=May |date=2022-01-31 |title="EXCLUSIVE: UN Special Envoy to Myanmar says military must be included in all talks to resolve crisis. But Dr Noeleen Heyzer is clear they cannot take the lead in negotiations. She spoke to me on eve of 1 year of military coup on Feb 1." |url=https://twitter.com/maywongcna/status/1488184246933983232 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131175706/https://twitter.com/maywongcna/status/1488184246933983232 |archive-date=2022-01-31 |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Twitter |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Vaphual |last2=Ratcliffe |first2=Rebecca |date=2022-02-03 |title=Myanmar's UN envoy under fire for proposing 'power share' with military |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/feb/03/myanmars-un-envoy-under-fire-for-proposing-power-share-with-military |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}

In response to the interview, a joint statement rejecting "[Heyzer's] proposal that those defying the military must negotiate a power sharing as a solution to the current political, human rights and humanitarian crisis created by the terrorist military junta" was published on 2 February and signed by 247 regional, international, and Myanmar civil society organizations (CSOs), led by Progressive Voice, the Women's League of Burma, and the Union of Karenni State Youth. Directly addressing Heyzer, the statement went on to say, "If the Special Envoy is genuinely committed to a 'Myanmar-led process' and engaging 'directly with and listen[ing] carefully to all those affected by the ongoing crisis', she must understand the root causes of the current crisis and genuinely listen to the calls of the people of Myanmar. Their calls have been clear. The military must never rule." The statement was further co-signed by 79 CSOs following its publication.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-02 |title=Civil Society organizations reject UN Special Envoy's proposal of "power sharing" – Raise alarm at her misinterpretation that the "military are in control" |url=https://progressivevoicemyanmar.org/2022/02/02/civil-society-organizations-reject-un-special-envoys-proposal-of-power-sharing/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website= |publisher=Progressive Voice Myanmar |language=en}}

In a statement issued to the media on 3 February, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar said Heyzer's words were misinterpreted and she had "never proposed power sharing as an option and has consistently advocated for a Myanmar-led process that is reflective of the will and the needs of the people, as reflected in the 2020 elections."{{Cite web |date=2022-02-03 |title=UN envoy regrets misunderstanding over Myanmar junta 'power sharing' suggestion |url=https://mizzima.com/article/un-envoy-regrets-misunderstanding-over-myanmar-junta-power-sharing-suggestion |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Mizzima News |language=en}}

In the months following the contentious interview, Heyzer held extensive engagements with representatives of Myanmar civil society organizations (CSOs) and local humanitarian networks. The first of such meetings occurred on 21 February 2022 and included representatives from twenty CSOs. The representatives reiterated points made in the joint statement and underscored the view that the crisis was not between any political entity – such as the National League for Democracy (NLD) or the National Unity Government (NUG) – and the junta, but rather "the junta staging a war against the nation and committing violence and atrocities against the people."{{Cite web |date=2022-02-23 |title=Myanmar CSOs meet with the UN Special Envoy |url=https://mizzima.com/article/myanmar-csos-meet-un-special-envoy |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Mizzima News |language=en}}

In April 2022, Heyzer met with nine civil society representatives and discussed, among other topics, her intended engagement on the issue of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and her proposed visit to Myanmar in the near future, the dates of which had not been finalized at the time of the meeting but which was expected to occur as soon as later in April.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-24 |title=CSOs meet with UN envoy, concerned about her upcoming trip to Myanmar |url=https://mizzima.com/article/csos-meet-un-envoy-concerned-about-her-upcoming-trip-myanmar |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Mizzima News |language=en}} Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq reiterated Heyzer’s intention to visit Myanmar in the daily briefing on 27 April, but noted that no dates had been formalized.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-27 |title=Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General |url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/db220427.doc.htm |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations |type=Press briefing}}

Permission for Heyzer to travel to Myanmar was requested in January 2022 at the latest{{Cite web |last=Agence France-Presse |author-link=Agence France-Presse |date=2022-01-29 |title=As It Happens: Military Rule in Myanmar |url=https://www.philstar.com/happens/938Japan |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=The Philippine Star |language=en-US}} and she received general approval by April{{Cite web |last=Strangio |first=Sebastian |date=2022-05-30 |title=China, Russia Again Veto UN Statement on Myanmar Conflict |url=https://thediplomat.com/2022/05/china-russia-again-veto-un-statement-on-myanmar-conflict/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=The Diplomat |language=en-US}} but was not granted the necessary authorizations for her stay nor for the people she could meet – which the United Nations has continued to insist must include various parties and not just representatives of the State Administration Council (SAC).{{Cite web |date=2022-05-28 |title=UN Security Council members fail to agree on Myanmar text |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/un-security-council-members-fail-to-agree-on-myanmar-text.html |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}} {{As of|2022|June|}}, she has not been allowed to travel to the country.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-06-11 |title='No chance' Myanmar polls will be free and fair: US official tells Shangri-La Dialogue |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/no-chance-myanmar-polls-will-be-free-and-fair-us-official-tells-shangri-la-dialogue |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=The Straits Times |language=en}}

On 3 May 2022, Heyzer issued a statement ahead of the Consultative Meeting on ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance to Myanmar, a key conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding the deployment of aid in Myanmar, scheduled for 6 May in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Slated to attend the meeting as representative of the United Nations, Heyzer's official statement set forth her priorities for the meeting and emphasized the sentiments expressed by CSO and local humanitarian network representatives during her meetings with them in the months prior, highlighting: "there is a need for the utmost respect of international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles; urgently needed humanitarian aid must not be instrumentalised for political purposes; military infrastructure must not be legitimised through aid delivery; and there is a need not only for more donor funding but also for donor flexibility to support local humanitarian actors and networks." She further called upon the international community at large, and the nations of ASEAN in specific, to "actively engage women to fully address the humanitarian and protection needs of the people [of Myanmar] and amplify their voices for a future federal democratic union of peace, stability and shared prosperity."{{Cite web |date=2022-05-04 |title=Note to Correspondents: Statement by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar regarding the ASEAN Humanitarian Consultations |url=https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/note-correspondents/2022-05-03/note-correspondents-statement-the-secretary-general%E2%80%99s-special-envoy-myanmar-regarding-the-asean-humanitarian-consultations |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations}}

On 5 May 2022, Heyzer participated in a virtual meeting with Union Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of NUG Win Myat Aye and ministry staff involved in humanitarian activities.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-05 |title=Meeting of Union Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of NUG with UN special Envoy to Myanmar |url=https://mohadm.nugmyanmar.org/2022/05/05/meeting-of-union-minister-for-humanitarian-affairs-and-disaster-management-with-un-special-envoy/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of National Unity Government |language=en-US}} In so doing, she became the first international envoy to publicly engage with the National Unity Government (NUG).{{Cite web |date=2022-05-09 |title=Junta Bars UN Special Envoy on Myanmar From ASEAN Meeting |url=https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/junta-bars-un-special-envoy-on-myanmar-from-asean-meeting.html |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=The Irrawaddy |language=en-US}} According to the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) and the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, Heyzer was then disinvited to the Consultative Meeting on ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance to Myanmar (6 May) after her attendance was blocked by the junta, represented by the SAC Minister for International Cooperation Ko Ko Hlaing. Regarding Heyzer’s exclusion, the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Saifuddin Abdullah tweeted, "We should not allow [the junta to be] dictating who to be invited for related meetings."{{Cite web |date=2022-05-12 |title=Myanmar political crisis takes center stage on day 1 of US-ASEAN Summit |url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/malaysian/asean-summit-05122022212524.html |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=Radio Free Asia |language=en}}

As Special Envoy, Heyzer participated in a special session of the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) entitled "Myanmar: Finding a Way Forward" alongside co-panelists Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Saifuddin Abdullah, Thai Special Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Myanmar Pornpimol Kanchanalak, and Counselor of the United States Department of State Derek Chollet on 11 June 2022. In her address to the session, she spotlighted the "urgency for a coherent international response built on regional unity" and insisted that more needed to be done to support local networks and to build community-based resilience.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-11 |title=UN Special Envoy Heyzer addresses Myanmar's critical importance to the region at Shangri-La Dialogue |url=https://dppa.un.org/en/un-special-envoy-heyzer-addresses-myanmars-critical-importance-to-region-shangri-la-dialogue |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs |type=Press release}} Concluding her statement, Heyzer observed, "The people of Myanmar have changed, there is a new dynamic. The youth have created a solidarity that has been able to go beyond ethnicity and religion, and there is greater discussion on inclusiveness and the type of future they want."{{Cite web |date=2022-06-12 |title=UN Special Envoy addresses Myanmar's critical importance at Singapore meet |url=https://mizzima.com/article/un-special-envoy-addresses-myanmars-critical-importance-singapore-meet |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Mizzima News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-06-11 |title=19th Regional Security Summit, The Shangri-La Dialogue – Session 2: Myanmar: Finding a Way Forward – Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, United Nations (As delivered) |url=https://www.iiss.org/-/media/files/shangri-la-dialogue/2022/transcripts/ss2/dr-noeleen-heyzer-special-envoy-of-the-secretary-general-on-myanmar-united-nations-as-delivered.pdf |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=International Institute for Strategic Studies |type=Transcript}}

Two days later, on 13 June 2022, Heyzer briefed the United Nations General Assembly via video conference on the status of Myanmar. In her dire assessment, she observed that "[t]he military’s violence, including against peaceful protestors has only intensified since [the coup d'état began on] 1 February 2021"{{Cite web |date=2022-06-13 |title=Remarks by Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar – General Assembly, 13 June 2022 (As delivered) |url=https://dppa.un.org/sites/default/files/sesg_heyzer_13june2022.pdf |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs |type=Transcript}} and the ensuing political crisis "has opened front lines that had long been at peace."{{Cite web |date=2022-06-13 |title=Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric |url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2022/db220613.doc.htm |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=United Nations |type=Transcript}}

Regarding the next Myanmar general election, proposed by the junta for 2023, Heyzer has said, “As far as the people are concerned, unless an election is inclusive and there is no fear in the expression of their political will, there’s not going to be the legitimacy that will allow the government to go back to civilian rule. In other words, it will be the trigger for further violence."{{Cite web |last=Dobell |first=Graeme |date=2022-06-19 |title=Myanmar's wicked tragedy |url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/myanmars-wicked-tragedy/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=The Strategist |language=en-AU}}

Heyzer has served on numerous boards and advisory committees of international organizations, including the UNDP Human Development Report, UNDP Eminent Persons Group on Trade and Sustainable Development, the G77's High-level Panel of Eminent Personalities of the South, the Asian Development Bank's Eminent Persons Group, Distinguished Fellow of the Fung Global Institute,{{Cite web |title=Noeleen Heyzer |url=http://www.fungglobalinstitute.org/en/experts/noeleen-heyzer |website=Fung Global Institute}} and Board of Trustees of the National University of Singapore.{{Cite web |title=Grab co-founder joins NUS Board |url=https://news.nus.edu.sg/grab-co-founder-joins-nus-board/ |website=www.nus.edu.sg}} She was a founding member of several international women's networks and chairperson of the Consortium Advisory Group on Women's Empowerment in Muslim Contexts:{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://r4d.dfid.gov.uk/PDF/Outputs/WomenEmpMus/WEMCBrochure.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110114420/http://r4d.dfid.gov.uk/PDF/Outputs/WomenEmpMus/WEMCBrochure.pdf |archive-date=10 November 2014 |access-date=10 November 2014}} Gender, Poverty and Democratisation from the Inside Out. She was on the High-Level Commonwealth Commission on Respect and Understanding chaired by Nobel Laureate Prof. Amartya Sen.{{Cite web |title=Civil Paths to Peace: Report of the Commonwealth Commission on Respect and Understanding |url=https://www.thecommonwealth-ilibrary.org/commonwealth/development/civil-paths-to-peace_9781848590014-en;jsessionid=1fwuypjipoqie.x-oecd-live-01 |website=www.thecommonwealth-ilibrary.org |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110235232/http://www.thecommonwealth-ilibrary.org/commonwealth/development/civil-paths-to-peace_9781848590014-en;jsessionid=1fwuypjipoqie.x-oecd-live-01 }}{{Cite web |title=Civil Paths to Peace |url=http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/commonwealth/development/civil-paths-to-peace_9781848590014-en#page1 |website=OECD iLibrary |access-date=11 November 2014 |archive-date=10 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110235305/http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset-Management/oecd/commonwealth/development/civil-paths-to-peace_9781848590014-en#page1 |url-status=dead }} She was a jury member of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Innovation Award for Women's and Girl's Empowerment, 2010. Dr. Heyzer has also advised private sector partners such as Macy's, CISCO, and the Calvert Investment Fund to provide high value employment and market access to women and youth in conflict and disaster-affected areas as well as in the Arab States, setting new standards for ethical investment.

She is Lee Kong Chian Distinguished Fellow at the School of Social Sciences at Singapore Management University.{{Cite web |title=Noeleen Heyzer |url=https://www.smu.edu.sg/faculty/profile/144126/Noeleen-Heyzer |access-date=2020-12-13 |website=www.smu.edu.sg}}

Heyzer has received numerous awards and prizes, including:{{Cite web |url=http://singaporecsrsummit.org/ |title=Singaporecsrsummit.org |access-date=23 March 2022 |archive-date=6 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006212844/http://www.singaporecsrsummit.org/ }}

• Hall of Fame, Singapore, March 2014
• Aletta Jacobs Prize (2014), University of Groningen
• Plaque of Recognition on World Food Day, 2013, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
• Eminent Alumni Award, 2011, National University of Singapore – first woman to be so honoured
• Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, 2004{{Cite web|url=https://www.daghammarskjold.se/|title=Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation|website=Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation}}{{Cite web |title=Women, War and Peace Mobilising for Peace and Security in the 21st Century |url=http://www.daghammarskjold.se/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/noeleen.pdf}} – given to "a person who has promoted, in action and spirit, the values that inspired Dag Hammarskjöld as Secretary-General of the United Nations and generally in his life: compassion, humanism and commitment to international solidarity and cooperation."
• Women of the Year Award, 2008, Singapore Press Holdings
• Global Summit of Women's Global Women's Leadership Award, 2005, Global Summit on Women in Mexico.
• Global Tolerance Award for Humanitarian Service, 2000, Friends of the United Nations

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{Official website|https://noeleenheyzer.com}}
• [http://www.unescap.org UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific]
• [http://www.unwomen.org UN Women]

{{Executive Directors of UN Women and UNIFEM}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Heyzer, Noeleen}}

Category:1948 births

Category:Under-Secretaries-General of the United Nations

Category:Living people

Category:Singaporean people of European descent

Category:Singaporean officials of the United Nations

Category:The Asia Foundation

Category:Alumni of Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge

Category:Special Envoys of the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Category:Executive Directors of UN Women