In Memoriam: Judy Cheng-Hopkins

It is with profound sadness that GWL Voices mourns the passing of our dear member and colleague, Judy Cheng-Hopkins.

Judy devoted more than three decades of her life to the United Nations and to the service of people around the world. Her distinguished career spanned development, humanitarian action, peacebuilding and refugee protection, with extensive field experience across Africa and Asia. Throughout her many years of service, she brought to her work an extraordinary combination of commitment, integrity, energy and humanity.

Judy served as the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, appointed in 2009, following a long and distinguished career within the UN system. She previously served as Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees, from 2006 to 2009, and held senior positions with the World Food Programme, including as Director of its Bureau for Asia and Eastern Europe. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade with UNDP in Africa, serving in Zambia and Kenya.

Her contribution extended well beyond the positions she held. Judy was deeply committed to strengthening international cooperation and to advancing the values at the heart of the United Nations. Her work touched some of the most complex challenges facing the international community, from humanitarian crises and displacement to peacebuilding and international security.

Her leadership and contribution were recognised throughout her career. In 2013, she received the Global Leadership Award from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where she later served as an Adjunct Professor. In 2017, she served as Deputy at the UN Joint Investigative Mechanism, established to investigate the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict. She also contributed to efforts to advance women’s leadership in Asia, including through her involvement in the establishment of an Asian women’s leadership university in Malaysia.

For GWL Voices, Judy was much more than an accomplished international civil servant. She was a valued member of our community, whose experience, wisdom and commitment enriched the work of those around her.

Those who had the privilege of knowing and working with Judy will remember not only her remarkable professional contribution, but also her warmth, generosity and determination. Even during difficult times, she remained deeply positive and attentive to the people and moments that mattered most to her.

Judy Cheng-Hopkins leaves behind a remarkable legacy of public service and a life dedicated to advancing peace, human dignity and the work of the United Nations.

GWL Voices extends its deepest condolences to Judy’s family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. We honour her memory with gratitude and profound respect, and we will remember her enduring contribution to the United Nations and to the many people she served throughout her life.

May she rest in peace.