By Xinhua
United Nations : The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Cheikh Sidi Diarra of Mali as his Special Advisor on Africa, a UN spokesperson said.
Diarra would also be the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Michele Montas, UN spokesperson, said Tuesday.
“The realignment of the two functions under the same leadership is aimed at strengthening the organisation’s ability to perform and deliver its services more efficiently, while at the same time respecting the distinctive character of each programme,” Montas told reporters.
With over 25 years of professional experience in international relations, law and development, Diarra has been actively involved in strengthening African integration efforts, African development agenda and has long engaged in multilateral diplomacy.
A former Malian ambassador to the UN, he has served as High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States since July 2007.