Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira

Former Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General, UN Habitat

Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira is a Rwandese diplomat who was Deputy Executive Director and Assistant Secretary-General of UN Habitat between 2011 and 2018. In this role, she provided critical leadership in promoting sustainable cities and human settlements globally engaging widely with governmental and non-governmental actors. She has broad knowledge and experience in senior management and strategic leadership in Government and non-governmental institutions, at sub-national, national, regional and international levels. She was formerly the Governor of the Eastern Province of Rwanda, and was the Mayor of Kigali, one of the fastest urbanizing cities in the world, from 2006 to 2011.

Dr. Kacyira was also an Elected Member of Parliament and member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee in charge of land use and management, settlement, and environment, where she served from 2003 to 2006. In addition, she is a former President Member of Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities, and former President and Member of Eastern African Association of Local Government Authorities. She is also the former Vice President and member of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa, and is currently a member of Rwanda Association of University Women. She is also on the advisory body of the World Cities Summit (WCS), and plays a role in Local Governance, taking part in various Mayors Forums. She is passionate about women and youth empowerment.

Dr. Kacyira was educated at James Cook University inAustralia, where she gained her Masters in Veterinary Science in Animal Production and Economics, and at Makerere University in Uganda, where she gained her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Kacyira is married and has four children. Dr. Kacyira is a passionate leader with a special focus on children, youth and women.