Editor-in-Chief at the United Nations, Ben Dotsei Malor, will officially retire from the UN on February 28, bringing to a close a distinguished 23-year career with the global body. He is set to begin a new chapter in public service in March as a diplomat for Ghana.
Mr. Malor will assume the role of Deputy Head of Mission at Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, marking a transition from international civil service to direct national representation.
His departure comes just a month after marking the second anniversary of his return to UN Headquarters in New York, following an 18-month assignment in Juba, South Sudan, where he served as Chief of Strategic Communications for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Malor joined the United Nations on January 31, 2003, after a 12-year career with the BBC in London. His move followed an unsuccessful internal promotion bid at the BBC — a professional setback that ultimately opened the door to an opportunity at UN Radio, encouraged by friends and colleagues at the time.
Over more than two decades, he worked across several UN platforms, building a career focused on strategic communications in complex and high-pressure environments. His final weeks at the organisation mark the close of a journey that began after his departure from British broadcasting and evolved into senior communications leadership within the UN system.
Reflecting on his career, Malor has spoken about the lessons drawn from rejection and failure, describing them as formative experiences rather than endpoints. He has also emphasised the role of faith and perseverance throughout his professional life.
Born and raised in Ohawu in Ghana’s Volta Region, Malor’s career path spans rural Ghana, international media at the BBC, and senior leadership roles within the United Nations. From March, he will represent Ghana at the UN, shifting his focus from multilateral service to national diplomatic duty.
