Biographical Note

Secretary-General Appoints Philippe Lazzarini of Switzerland as Deputy Special

Representative, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Somalia

 

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Philippe Lazzarini of Switzerland as his Deputy Special Representative, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Somalia.

Mr. Lazzarini has extensive experience in humanitarian assistance and international coordination in conflict and post-conflict areas, including in Somalia where he has been the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative since March 2013.

Prior to this assignment, Mr. Lazzarini held a number of senior positions in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, including as Deputy Director of the Coordination and Response Division (2011 to 2013), and in various field positions in Iraq, Angola, Somalia and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Prior to joining the United Nations, Mr. Lazzarini served as a delegate for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in southern Sudan, Beirut, Amman and Gaza.  He led ICRC operations in Bosnia, Angola (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola-controlled areas) and Rwanda, and also held the position of Deputy Head of the Communications Department of ICRC.

Mr. Lazzarini graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Neuchatel and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Lausanne.

Born in Switzerland, he is married with two children.

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For information media • not an official record