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international

Interview with

David Chikvaidze

Vice President of the Swiss Forum on International Affairs
Associate Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy

former Chef de Cabinet of the Director-General of UNOG

Mr. Chikvaidze is a well-known and respected You are a well-known figure in International
figure in diplomatic circles — and far beyond. Geneva. Could you please tell us a little about
Over the years, he has held key positions at yourself, perhaps something that doesn’t appear
the United Nations, including Director of the in your official biography?
Library and Chief de Cabinet to the Director- Every person has facets that do not fit within the
General in Geneva. In each of these roles, he pithy wording of a brief biography, or a CV genre,
has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and I am no exception. Without going on at
to the values of the UN and to the people who length about ‘Dear Me’, as Peter Ustinov entitled
work within it. his autobiography, I can say that I consider
myself to be a ‘normal extrovert.’ I like and enjoy
Those who know him best describe him as interacting with people. Professionally, in every
intelligent, efficient, and tireless in his work. duty station this translated into making contacts
He is also widely appreciated for his integrity: and friends in the host country and city. The
a man who keeps his word, who combines worst thing for a diplomat, any person, in fact, is
professionalism with a rare human touch. His to lock oneself into the ‘international ghetto’ and
long-standing presence at the UN has made not interact and get to know the population and
him both a reference point for colleagues and the country where fate has taken you. Language
a trusted voice in the international community. skills and the nature of one’s work also have a
Now we will leave the floor to Mr. Chikvaidze lot to do with the extent of one’s integration. In
to kindly replied to all our questions, the floor my first diplomatic posting as special assistant
is yours. to the Soviet ambassador in Washington, D.C.

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