“Contemporary conflicts have multiple layers, which makes them increasingly difficult to resolve. Mediation, including preventive mediation becomes all the more important. The United Nations have an indispensable contribution to make in that respect and I am honored to join a group that will support the Secretary General in his efforts to strengthen the political role of the UN.”

A former French diplomat, Mr. Guéhenno served as the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations between 2000 and 2008. In 2012 he chaired President François Hollande’s review of France’s defence and national security posture, before being appointed Deputy Joint Special Envoy for Syria by the United Nations and the Arab League. Mr. Guéhenno has been President of the International Crisis Group, an independent organization working to prevent wars and shape policies to build a more peaceful world, since 2014. He was previously director of Columbia University’s Center for International Conflict Resolution.