Nicolas de Rivière, born on September 26, 1963, in Paris, France, stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of international diplomacy. As the Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations since July 8, 2019, he embodies France’s commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation in addressing complex global challenges.

Early Life and Education

Rivière grew up in the vibrant city of Paris, where he cultivated a strong academic foundation. In 1985, he earned a law degree (Licence en droit) from the University of Paris, honing his analytical and legal skills. This academic pursuit was complemented by his enrollment at the prestigious Sciences Po Paris in 1987, where he studied political science and international relations. Rivière further solidified his expertise in governance and public administration by graduating from the École nationale d’administration in 1992, part of the esteemed “promotion Condorcet.”

Diplomatic Career

Rivière’s career in diplomacy began shortly after his education, when he joined the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992. He quickly made his mark as an officer within the ministry, contributing to France’s foreign policy formulation until 1994. His subsequent role as press counselor at the French Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands, allowed him to deepen his understanding of European affairs until 1997.

From The Hague, Rivière transitioned to the United States, where he served as First Secretary at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., until 2001. His experience in the U.S. fostered a keen insight into transatlantic relations and the intricacies of American politics. Briefly stepping away from the public sector, he held the position of Vice President for External and Governmental Affairs at EADS-Astrium from 2001 to 2002, gaining a unique perspective on the intersection of diplomacy and the aerospace industry.

Returning to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rivière worked closely with two successive French Foreign Ministers. From 2002 to 2004, he served as Counselor for Economic Affairs, focusing on Asia and North America under Dominique de Villepin. He continued in a similar capacity as Counselor for International Economic Issues in the office of Michel Barnier until 2005, where he further developed his expertise in economic diplomacy.

Rivière’s career at the United Nations began in earnest when he was appointed Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the UN in New York from 2009 to 2010. He then advanced to the position of Assistant Secretary for United Nations, International Organizations, Human Rights, and Francophonie from 2011 to 2014, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping France’s responses to global humanitarian crises and fostering international cooperation.

From 2014 to 2019, Rivière served as the Director General of Political and Security Affairs at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, where he oversaw critical policy initiatives related to international security and diplomacy.

Permanent Representative to the United Nations

On July 8, 2019, Nicolas de Rivière was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron as France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, succeeding François Delattre. In this vital role, he represents France at the UN Security Council and General Assembly, advocating for international peace, security, and the promotion of human rights. His tenure is marked by a commitment to addressing pressing global issues, including climate change, global health, and conflict resolution.

Other Activities

Beyond his official duties, Rivière actively engages in various international forums. He is a member of the International Advisory Council at the International Peace Institute (IPI) and has served as an Honorary Trustee of the United Nations International School (UNIS) since 2019, reflecting his dedication to fostering education and dialogue in the international community.

Personal Life

Nicolas de Rivière’s extensive experience and diplomatic acumen have positioned him as a key player in global governance. With a career spanning decades and a deep commitment to international collaboration, he continues to shape France’s role in a rapidly evolving world. As he navigates the complexities of the UN, Rivière remains a steadfast advocate for diplomacy, dialogue, and shared global responsibility.