Conversations in Diplomacy: Jan Eliasson

In this “Conversation in Diplomacy,” with UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, the Future of Diplomacy Project Director R. Nicholas Burns examines the United Nations’ primary obligations and the present challenges it confronts in the world. Eliasson observes that the biggest challenges the UN faces lie in establishing a strong mandate resolution to deal with great turmoil in areas such as the Middle East and Africa. He expresses anxiety about the rise of religion, tribes, and ethnicities in these regions and criticizes the “growing disregard for human rights and humanitarian law.” However, Eliasson is ultimately optimistic about the great strides that have been made in development and education and is hopeful about positive global trends, including the advancement of women and youth and the progress made by science and international organizations such as the UN.

Prior to his appointment as UN Deputy Secretary-General, Eliasson served as President of the 60th session of the UN General Assembly and was Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Darfur from 2007-2008. He was Sweden’s Ambassador to the US from September 2000 until July 2005.