New UNSG consultant in Cyprus formally assumes his duties

New Particular Consultant of the United Nations Secretary-Normal (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Power in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Colin Stewart has arrived in Cyprus to formally assume his duties, a UN press launch stated on Monday.

Stewart may also be the Deputy Particular Adviser to the Secretary-Normal (DSASG) on Cyprus, it added.

Stewart succeeds Elizabeth Spehar, who accomplished her project on 30 November 30.

Talking upon his arrival, he stated: “I’m honored to be right here in Cyprus because the Particular Consultant of the Secretary-Normal and Deputy Particular Adviser.

“I’m keenly conscious of the significance of UNFICYP’s mandate for the lives of all Cypriots and I stay up for working with all of you and our companions in Cyprus.

“I want to take the chance to pay tribute to my predecessor, Elizabeth Spehar, for her stalwart management of UNFICYP and the Good Places of work mission.

“I stay up for persevering with the work of the United Nations in Cyprus and hope to forge robust working relationships with all stakeholders and study from them in order that, collectively, we are able to hopefully carry a long-lasting peace to the island.”

Stewart will meet with the 2 leaders, different senior officers, civil society representatives, members of the diplomatic group, and the United Nations household throughout the island over the approaching weeks.

Stewart, who till lately served as Particular Consultant of the Secretary-Normal and Head of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) (2017-2021), brings to the function a protracted report of management, diplomacy and efficient administration, with over 28 years of expertise in peace and safety and worldwide affairs.

Previous to MINURSO, he served as Deputy Head and Chief of Workers of the United Nations Workplace to the African Union (UNOAU) in Addis Ababa, and held appointments in a number of United Nations subject missions, together with as Performing Chief of Workers and Chief of Political Affairs on the United Nations Built-in Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) (2007-2009).

He was a Canadian diplomat from 1990 to 1997, and  is a graduate of Laval College in Canada.  He’s fluent in English and French.