Ajit M. Banerjee

Ajit M. Banerjee began his distinguished career at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA). Later, he became a management training consultant for the Punjab Administrative Reform Commission and the Indian Government. His journey eventually led him to the United Nations (UN), where he made significant contributions to public administration and reform on a global scale.

Dr. Banerjee held several pivotal positions at the UN during his 32-year tenure. In 1967, he joined the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) as an advisor in public administration, providing essential strategies for economic growth to governments throughout the region. In the 1970s, his leadership was instrumental in the establishment of the Asian Center for Development Administration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As its first Deputy Director, he designed and implemented innovative public policies and management systems.

In 1981, Dr. Banerjee was appointed as Special Advisor and Principal Coordinator for administrative reform and governance at UN Headquarters in Manhattan, New York. He led over 50 missions that successfully aided governments in establishing foreign service training institutions across various countries, enhancing his reputation as a leader on the international stage. He focused on missions in:

- Africa: Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe

- Asia: Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan

- The Middle East: Iran, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey

- The Caribbean: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago

- The Russian Federation

- Latin America: Brazil and Colombia

- South Asia: Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Tonga

Furthermore, Dr. Banerjee was part of a core group of specialists advising the governments of Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cyprus, Haiti and Namibia on governance, political matters, and peacekeeping negotiations.

During and after his tenure at the UN, Dr. Banerjee authored several books. His notable works include "Organization of Government of India," published by Asia Publishing House in 1959; "Asian Civil Service," published by EROPA in 1964; "Renewing Governance," released by Tata McGraw-Hill in 1997; and "Reinventing the United Nations," which he co-edited and published by Prentice-Hall in 2007. He also wrote "UN International Civil Service: Perceptions, Realities, and Career Prospects," published by the Academic Foundation in 2009, and "Global Perspectives on Foreign Policy of Major Powers," also published by the Academic Foundation in 2016. In addition to these works, he contributed numerous technical articles to professional journals. He served on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technical Assistance, an initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and various bilateral donor agencies.

A graduate of Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, Dr. Banerjee earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a PhD in Public Policy from The Rockefeller Foundation in Social Science. He was honored with the Paul H. Appleby Award in 2012 for his outstanding service to public policy and management.

Dr. Ajit Banerjee is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Uma, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. He was devoted to his three children—Amita, Ajoy, and Arun—who were his pride and joy. His legacy continues through his six cherished grandchildren: Anila, Anjali, Arianna, Alexander, Aston, and Alexis, who brought him immense happiness every day. His family will remember him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, whose pioneering spirit, passion for excellence, and humor enriched their lives.

To honor Ajit Banerjee's life, the family is asking for charitable donations to the Family Life Center in lieu of flowers. See the link to charity on bottom of this page.

You may also mail your tax-deductible contribution to:

Family Life Center

In Memory of Ajit Banerjee

P.O. Box 2058

Bunnell, FL 32110

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=FC7N6QVXRRG9U