Biographical Note

Secretary-General Appoints Laurence D. Wohlers of United States

Deputy Special Representative for Central African Republic

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today the appointment of Laurence D. Wohlers of the United States as Deputy Special Representative (Political) for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Mr. Wohlers has extensive experience in international affairs, specializing in conflict management, governance and cross-cultural communication.  He has served in numerous diplomatic postings across Africa, Asia and Europe as well as in Washington, D.C., including as Minister Counsellor for Political Affairs at the United States Mission to the European Union in Brussels, from 2006 to 2008, and Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs in Moscow, from 2003 to 2006.  Most recently, Mr. Wohlers served as Ambassador to the Central African Republic from 2010 to 2013.

He attended Washington University in St. Louis and the National Defense University, from which he earned a Master of Arts in National Security Studies.

Born in Japan in 1955, Mr. Wohlers is married and has three children.

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