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International

“Diplomacy has become
a drug in my veins.

I wish it would become
more addictive in today’s

world.”

UN Photo / Jean Marc Ferré Interview with

His Excellency
Jan Eliasson

Jan Eliasson can be ranked among the world’s women and girls is one, the great potential of
top diplomats, and his list of credits is very youth is another if we learn to work not only
long and impressive: a highly respected FOR young people but also WITH them.
diplomat, an Ambassador, a former Minister I also believe in the power of education
of Foreign Affairs, a President of the and science in solving many of the complex
United Nations General Assembly (2005- problems in the modern world. And of course,
6), a United Nations Deputy Secretary- I believe strongly in international cooperation
General (2012-16) and now a Chair of the and multilateralism. The United Nations
Board of the highly respected Stockholm and several international organizations and
International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) agreements have been under attack recently,
in Sweden. not least from the United States. It is gratifying
that the new United States Administration is
In addition to being a very skilled diplomat, coming back to working in dialogue and trust
he is also a warm and friendly person who, with other nations.
despite a very busy schedule, accepted to
answer our questions. So now let us leave the Diplomacy is an art. What are the qualities
floor to Jan Eliasson. of a good diplomat, and which of these do you
consider yourself to have you excelled at?
You have a long and outstanding career as a Diplomacy is an indispensable art form
diplomat, an international civil servant, and – regretfully, not fully utilized. To use the
a peacemaker. You ended your international Word carefully, to analyse, to use good
career as the Deputy Secretary-General of the timing, to realize the importance of culture in
United Nations. When you look at the world negotiations as well as personal relations are
today, how would you characterize it? crucial elements of diplomacy. Prevention and
peaceful settlement of disputes are also key
The world today is a troubled place. Covid- parts of the United Nations Charter, which
19, wars, the climate crisis and mistrust require dialogue and diplomacy.
and polarization both between and within I must admit that diplomacy has become
nations are some of the reasons. But there are a drug in my veins. I wish it would become
also reasons for hope. The empowerment of more addictive in today’s world.

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