It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the untimely passing of Nick Beresford, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Georgia – the UNDP posted on social media today.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Nick’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with his wife, Angela, their children, Anna and Kit, and all his many friends and admirers around the world. In this moment of grief, we stand by their side, offering our support and sharing in their sorrow,” the announcement continues. “We are immensely grateful to the dedicated doctors and medical personnel at the Aleksander Aladashvili Clinic in Tbilisi, who fought tirelessly for Nick’s life.
“Nick Beresford will forever be warmly remembered in Georgia as an extraordinary person who managed to combine consummate professionalism with a witty and self-deprecating sense of humor.
“He was that rare person in UNDP who could claim qualifications at once as an auditor, an economist and a specialist in English literature – intertwining all these skills to deliver uniquely capable leadership.
“His unwavering commitment to upholding UN values for everyone everywhere made a profound impact on UNDP’s work. He was a resolute champion for human rights, deftly supporting the LGBTQI community in the most difficult of contexts. He believed in delivering tangible results to people in need, and he was happiest when visiting families and communities whose lives were transformed thanks to UNDP’s work.
“Throughout his two years in Georgia, Nick earned the trust and respect of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness and humility instantly won the hearts of the entire UNDP Georgia team.
“The grief at his passing is global, extending from Tbilisi across the entire UNDP family to the many locations scattered across the globe where he served during his two decades of UN work: Cambodia, Bangladesh, Somalia, East Timor and New York. In life, Nick was a friend and role model to many; in death, may his legacy inspire us in our human duty to love one another and our mission to create a better world for all.”
A book of condolences will be opened at the UN House in Tbilisi (9 R. Eristavi Street, Tbilisi, Georgia) from 10am to 18pm on 24 and 25 August. For those unable to visit, an online board of condolence messages is available
here.
GEORGIA TODAY has taken great pleasure sharing the wonderful work of the UNDP to make Georgia a stronger, better and more sustainable place in which to live, work and grow, and Nick Beresford’s work has been pivotal to that process these past two years. We offer our condolences to his team, family and friends at this very difficult time.
