NEW YORK (UN press service) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres yesterday announced the appointment of Jean Arnault of France as his Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues.

Jean Arnault

He is a graduate in philosophy from Sorbonne Paris I and was a professor at the Paris School of International Affairs from 2012-2014.

The Secretary-General has asked Mr. Arnault to assist in the achievement of a political solution to the conflict, working closely with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and regional partners.

Jean Arnault will be tasked to maintain ties with the countries of the region on behalf of the UN chief to support talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban movement and to oversee the implementation of agreements.

According to UN, Mr. Arnault brings over 30 years of experience in international diplomacy focusing on peace settlements and mediation, with extensive background in United Nations missions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, including Afghanistan.

Mr. Arnault´s most recent assignments included Delegate of the Secretary-General to the Colombia peace talks and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia from 2015 to 2018; and Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Bolivia from 2019 to 2020.