The International Diplomatic Union (IDU) has announced the appointment of Eng. Sadham Dhikran Zarjahan as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), bringing more than fourteen years of international experience in development cooperation, global partnerships, and strategic organisational leadership. Based in London, Eng. Zarjahan has served in senior roles across the United Nations system, international NGOs, and global youth institutions, including his current position as Chief Executive Officer of the International Youth Council (IYC), New York—an organisation with Special Consultative Status at the UN ECOSOC. His career includes key contributions to UNIDO’s EU‑funded SME competitiveness programme, leadership within the Commonwealth Youth Council, and extensive work in international project management, diplomacy, and youth development.
Eng. Zarjahan’s appointment reflects his proven ability to restructure organisations, build global partnerships, mobilise funding, and lead complex, multi‑country programmes—skills essential for strengthening IDU’s operational and diplomatic footprint. His track record of securing international funding, designing governance frameworks, and managing high‑level stakeholder relations demonstrates a rare combination of strategic vision and hands‑on execution. With experience spanning the UN system, civil society, government engagement, and international development, he brings a uniquely comprehensive understanding of global diplomacy and institutional cooperation.
As COO, he will oversee IDU’s operational strategy, global programmes, and institutional partnerships, supporting the Union’s mission to advance diplomacy, peacebuilding, and multilateral cooperation worldwide. IDU leadership expressed confidence that Eng. Zarjahan’s governance expertise, innovative leadership style, and deep international engagement will significantly strengthen the organisation’s global impact
