Background & Experience
Karun Koernig has an extensive and diverse work history across international and local organizations spanning government, civil society, the private sector, and the arts.
At UN-Habitat, Karun held several roles from 2007 to the present, most recently as Coordinator of the SDG Cities Canada programme, where he assisted local authorities in measuring and accelerating their attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. His experience at UN-Habitat also includes roles as Social Inclusion Communications Expert and Youth Unit Programme and Communication Coordinator, in which he authored several key publications and guides on youth-led development and urban spaces.
For the Essen, Germany-based Water is Right Foundation, Karun served as both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, leading strategic partnerships and project development in the water, sanitation, and energy sectors across countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. His work directly improved sanitation infrastructure and public health awareness for millions of beneficiaries.
At the Jeffrey Rubinoff Sculpture Park on Hornby Island, Karun has served as Executive Director, Manager, and Curator since 2007, overseeing administrative and creative operations and working through events and publications to promote the enduring values of great art and the legacy of major Canadian sculptor Jeffrey Rubinoff.
He also co-owns and manages My Community Properties, focusing on in-fill development and property management in Canada. His broader background includes founding and leadership roles with Sierra Leone Business Development Partners, Sustainable Community Enterprises, and the Environmental Youth Alliance, where he was engaged in youth entrepreneurship, environmental initiatives, and international development.