United Nations Permanent Representative
Encyclopedia
A United Nations Permanent Representative (sometimes called a "UN ambassador") is the head of a diplomatic mission
to the United Nations Organization (or United Nations
, UN). Of these, the most high-profile UN Permanent Representative
s are those assigned to headquarters
in New York City
(U.S.). However, member states also appoint Permanent Representatives to the other UN offices in Geneva
(Switzerland), Vienna
(Austria), and Nairobi
(Kenya).
UN Permanent Representatives are often described as "U.N. ambassadors" such as with the United States. Although a Permanent Representative holds the equivalent diplomatic rank
of an ambassador (or Chief of Mission or High Commissioner
), he or she is accredited to an international organisation, and not to a Head of State
(as a nation's ambassador would be) or to a Head of Government
(as a High Commissioner would be).
has Permanent Delegates heading the diplomatic missions to the organisation, rather than Permanent Representatives. However, there are also UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
s, such as many American celebrities who act as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador to a particular nation. UNHCR has similar UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
s.
A UN Permanent Representative is sometimes called an Ambassador to the UN, or rarely, a UN Permanent Ambassador, to distinguish the position from being a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. However, again, the term "ambassador
" is more commonly used to describe each of nation's government officials who are assigned to handle some affairs with another nation.
Diplomatic mission
A diplomatic mission is a group of people from one state or an international inter-governmental organisation present in another state to represent the sending state/organisation in the receiving state...
to the United Nations Organization (or United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, UN). Of these, the most high-profile UN Permanent Representative
Permanent Representative
A Permanent Representative is the head of a diplomatic mission to one of various international organisations. The best known of the organisations to which states send Permanent Representatives is the United Nations; of these, the most high-profile ones are those assigned to headquarters in New...
s are those assigned to headquarters
United Nations headquarters
The headquarters of the United Nations is a complex in New York City. The complex has served as the official headquarters of the United Nations since its completion in 1952. It is located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, on spacious grounds overlooking the East River...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
(U.S.). However, member states also appoint Permanent Representatives to the other UN offices in Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
(Switzerland), Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
(Austria), and Nairobi
Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is...
(Kenya).
UN Permanent Representatives are often described as "U.N. ambassadors" such as with the United States. Although a Permanent Representative holds the equivalent diplomatic rank
Diplomatic rank
Diplomatic rank is the system of professional and social rank used in the world of diplomacy and international relations. Over time it has been formalized on an international basis.-Ranks:...
of an ambassador (or Chief of Mission or High Commissioner
High Commissioner
High Commissioner is the title of various high-ranking, special executive positions held by a commission of appointment.The English term is also used to render various equivalent titles in other languages.-Bilateral diplomacy:...
), he or she is accredited to an international organisation, and not to a Head of State
Head of State
A head of state is the individual that serves as the chief public representative of a monarchy, republic, federation, commonwealth or other kind of state. His or her role generally includes legitimizing the state and exercising the political powers, functions, and duties granted to the head of...
(as a nation's ambassador would be) or to a Head of Government
Head of government
Head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is often styled prime minister, chief minister, premier, etc...
(as a High Commissioner would be).
Representatives to UN councils
Some diplomats are representatives to UN councils, such as the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.Goodwill Ambassadors
UNESCOUNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
has Permanent Delegates heading the diplomatic missions to the organisation, rather than Permanent Representatives. However, there are also UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors are celebrity advocates of UNESCO who use their talent or fame to spread the UNESCO ideals, especially attracting media attention...
s, such as many American celebrities who act as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador to a particular nation. UNHCR has similar UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors are celebrity representatives of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees who use their talent and fame to advocate for refugees.-Current Ambassadors:...
s.
A UN Permanent Representative is sometimes called an Ambassador to the UN, or rarely, a UN Permanent Ambassador, to distinguish the position from being a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. However, again, the term "ambassador
Ambassador
An ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization....
" is more commonly used to describe each of nation's government officials who are assigned to handle some affairs with another nation.
See also
- List of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations
- United Nations member statesUnited Nations member statesThere are 193 United Nations member states, and each of them is a member of the United Nations General Assembly.The criteria for admission of new members are set out in the United Nations Charter, Chapter II, Article 4, as follows:...
- UN Security Council
- United States Mission to the Economic Union