She was the first Executive Director from outside North America to lead the United Nations Development Fund for Women (1994-2007). She was widely recognized for her pivotal role in the Security Council's formulation and implementation of the landmark Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, and undertook extensive missions to conflict-affected countries worldwide. She was also the UNSG's Special Adviser for Timor-Leste, working to support peace-building, state-building, and sustainable development.
She holds a BA (Upper Hons) and a MSc from Singapore University, a PhD from Cambridge University, and has received numerous international awards for leadership including the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal (2004).