Runze Wang

Background

About Runze Wang

Runze Wang holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in urban planning and design from the University of Melbourne. With nearly two decades of global experience across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Africa, he has specialized in sustainable human settlements within the broader context of international development.Runze's international experience and expertise have equipped him with strategic vision, demonstrated interpersonal capabilities, as well as integrated skills in sustainable urbanization. He is known for being organized, calm, positive and creative in his work. He demonstrates empathy, valuing the perspectives and emotions of others, and thrives in collaborative environments with people from diverse backgrounds. He is fluent in both English and Mandarin.From 2019 to 2025 for over 6 years, Runze has served as the Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the UN-Habitat, with an overview of the agency’s policies, planning, and operations. He works in complex, fluid environments, coordinating closely with senior managers, diplomatic representatives, and a broad range of global urban stakeholders to provide direct support and advice to the Executive Director, while managing the front office staff in close consultation with the Chief of Staff.Runze first joined UN-Habitat in 2015 and has progressively taken on more responsibilities. From 2016 to 2019, he served as an urban planning consultant, task-managing the development of Liberia’s national urban policy. His extensive experience spans urban planning and design, policy-making, international development, diplomacy, and team management.Before joining UN-Habitat, Runze gained private sector experience as an urban designer with multinational engineering and development corporations in Melbourne, Australia, where he worked on metropolitan planning projects involving land subdivision, development corridors, population analysis, planning permit applications, and land budgeting.Starting July 2025, Runze has assumed the role of Programme Manager at UN-Habitat’s Azerbaijan Country Office. His primary responsibility will be managing a USD 10 million, four-year Adaptation Fund financed tripartite initiative, implemented in coordination with UNEP and IOM, focused on “Building Climate Resilient Cities and Communities” in Azerbaijan. He also supports the preparations for the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (May 2026 in Baku). In addition, Runze contributes to the broader national portfolio including efforts to rebuild conflict-affected villages.