Tony Bonnici

IWA Team

August 25, 2026

Tony Bonnici
Chief, Public-Partnerships Section, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Geneva

Tony Bonnici has been based in Geneva since 2006, working with the United Nations on issues that sit at the intersection of development, policy coordination, and international cooperation.

In his current role, he is Chief of the Cooperation and Partnerships section at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), where he steers work on public-private partnerships (PPPs), digital connectivity, and regulatory cooperation.

His leadership has helped UNECE translate complex policy agendas into practical, results-driven initiatives—particularly through flagship work designed to support implementation at country level. Among these efforts is the PIERS sustainability methodology, which has been developed and successfully applied to strengthen sustainability outcomes in a way that is both measurable and operational.

Tony’s expertise is grounded in a long track record of high-level diplomacy and international engagement. Prior to joining the UN, he served in the Diplomatic Service of Malta from 1991 to 2006, holding a series of senior postings that demanded negotiation, strategic representation, and technical policy leadership. His assignments included serving as Consul at the Embassy in Rome, Italy; serving as Delegate to the United Nations and international organisations at the Permanent Mission of Malta in Geneva, Switzerland; and working as Trade and Economic Counsellor at the High Commission of Malta in London, United Kingdom. Across these roles, he worked closely with governments and multilateral partners to shape positions, build consensus, and advance Malta’s engagement on regional and global priorities.

Academically, Tony is trained to operate at the highest level of legal and policy analysis. He holds a law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He also completed a master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies and International Relations. In addition, Tony earned a Ph.D. in International Law from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. Together, his academic credentials and professional experience equip him to bridge policy, law, and partnerships—turning international ideas into partnerships that deliver.