United Nations Secretary-General Appoints Khassim Diagne as Special Representative and Head of UNFICYP
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has announced the appointment of Khassim Diagne of Senegal as his new Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Diagne brings over 25 years of experience in international affairs and senior leadership within the United Nations system. He is currently serving as Ad Interim United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali, a role he has held since October 2024. Diagne's appointment follows the departure of Colin Stewart of Canada, who is being thanked for his strong leadership and dedicated service throughout his tenure.
Key Takeaways:
- Khassim Diagne is a seasoned international affairs expert with over 25 years of experience, including roles as Ad Interim United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Mali and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel.
- Diagne has served in various senior leadership positions within the United Nations system, including Director of the Political, Peacekeeping, Humanitarian and Human Rights Unit in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General.
- He has worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in various roles, including Regional Representative to the United States and the Caribbean, UNHCR Representative in Cameroon and Liberia, and Deputy Representative in Pakistan.
- Diagne holds a Master of Arts in Modern Languages from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, United States.
- He is fluent in English, French, and Wolof.
Statistics:
- 25 years of experience in international affairs and senior leadership within the United Nations system for Khassim Diagne.
- 3 senior leadership positions held by Diagne in the UN system, including Director of the Political, Peacekeeping, Humanitarian and Human Rights Unit.
- 4 countries where Diagne has served as a UNHCR Representative, including Cameroon, Liberia, Pakistan, and Senegal.
- 2 Master's degrees held by Diagne, including Master of Arts in Modern Languages and Master of Arts in International Relations.
Sources:
- United Nations News - "Secretary-General appoints Khassim Diagne of Senegal as Special Representative for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus", http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/