Remembering Russell Marshall

A significant achievement of Russell’s during his time as Chair was representing New Zealand on the UNESCO Executive Board, the last time New Zealand was represented on the Board.

Russell was widely respected within UNESCO circles not only in New Zealand but across the Pacific and globally.

“As Chair of the New Zealand National Commission, he was a progressive thinker skillfully identifying synergies between UNESCO’s international programme objectives and developments in this country and opportunities for engagement,” says Elizabeth Rose, who was the Secretary General of the National Commission while Russell was Chair.

Russell was instrumental in the National Commission and our Pacific colleagues’ active engagement in the World Decade for Cultural Development, supporting the region’s visibility.

“Russell drew on his established international networks. gained in his roles as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Pacific Island Affairs, to lead the drive for recognition of the specific needs of the Pacific Member States of UNESCO, and of small island states more broadly. He advocated strongly for an equitable share of UNESCO resources to be channeled to this group, ensuring that they received maximum benefit from their UNESCO membership,” says Elizabeth.

Russell was elected by the Executive Board to the prestigious position of Chair of the Board’s Finance and Administration Commission where he had significant influence in re-negotiating the direction of the Organisation as it grappled with the budgetary consequences of the US withdrawal from UNESCO.

“Russell remained a friend and supporter of the National Commission long after concluding his role as Chair and is fondly remembered as an exceptional Chair,” says current Secretary General, Vicki Soanes.

A memorial service is being held for Russell, Saturday 8 February 2025. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.