UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Elinor Hammarskjöld as the new Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel. Hammarskjöld, a distinguished Swedish diplomat with over 30 years of experience in international law and diplomacy, will assume the high-ranking position in the coming weeks.
Currently, Hammarskjöld serves as the Director-General for Legal Affairs at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, where she heads the Directorate-General for Legal Affairs. Her extensive career includes roles in foreign and security policy, human rights, and public international law. Previously, she held the position of Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, further enhancing her credentials as a seasoned expert in diplomatic and legal matters.
“We are very proud of Elinor Hammarskjöld’s appointment. It is among the highest offices a Swede has held in the UN. This enhances Sweden’s representation in the UN and shows that we have a great deal to offer in terms of knowledge of international law,” said Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. “This is a great honor for Sweden, though we will certainly miss her at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.”
Ms. Hammarskjöld’s career has spanned several high-profile positions, including as Sweden’s Ambassador to Israel and as Head of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Department for International Law, Human Rights, and Treaty Law. Additionally, she has served at the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the United Nations and Sweden’s Consulate-General in Jerusalem. Her career has been characterized by her leadership in advancing Sweden’s diplomatic interests and expertise in complex legal frameworks on the global stage.
“I am truly honoured to be entrusted with this role,” said Hammarskjöld. “I look forward to contributing to the United Nations’ vital work in advancing international law and supporting the UN’s mission of promoting peace, justice, and human rights worldwide.”
Hammarskjöld’s appointment is widely viewed as a significant strengthening of Sweden’s role within the United Nations, particularly in the areas of legal affairs and international law. Her appointment also underscores the growing recognition of Sweden’s commitment to promoting a rules-based international order and human rights at the global level.
In her new capacity, Ms. Hammarskjöld will advise the UN Secretary-General and Member States on a range of legal issues, from peacekeeping missions to human rights initiatives and the interpretation of international treaties. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of both legal and diplomatic matters are expected to greatly enhance the UN’s ability to navigate the complex legal challenges of the 21st century.
As Hammarskjöld transitions into her new role, she will be stepping down from her leadership position at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service. Her appointment is expected to further bolster the United Nations’ legal department, ensuring a robust and fair approach to international law and the rule of law across global peace and security efforts.
Hammarskjöld succeeds Miguel de Serpa Soares, who held the position of Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel for over a decade, shaping the UN’s legal policy and advisory functions. Hammarskjöld’s appointment marks a new chapter in the UN’s ongoing commitment to upholding international law in an increasingly complex global landscape.