UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Geir Pedersen, the official who has directed the United Nations' diplomatic efforts regarding Syria for nearly seven years, announced his resignation on Thursday. Having served in various diplomatic roles for the U.N. and his home country of Norway, Pedersen informed the U.N. Security Council of his decision to step down, stating, "I have informed the secretary-general of my intention to step down."
At 69 years old, Pedersen was appointed as U.N. special envoy to Syria in 2018, during an ongoing civil war that had persisted for seven years. The conflict resulted in the rise of the Islamic State group, which managed to seize significant territory in the nation. Although the militant group lost its final patches of territory in 2019, remnants of their sleeper cells continue to pose a threat.
Pedersen's mandate involved implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254. This resolution aimed to facilitate a political solution to the conflict between the government of former President Bashar Assad and various opposition factions; however, attempts to broker peace have repeatedly faltered.
The Syrian civil war began in 2011 following mass protests against the government, which were brutally suppressed. The ensuing conflict has resulted in nearly half a million deaths and displaced half of Syria's prewar population of 23 million people. For years, the war had become somewhat stagnant, with the nation divided into territories controlled by the government and several opposition groups.
In December 2024, Bashar Assad was ousted in a swift rebel offensive led by Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Since that time, the country has continued to wrestle with profound political, ethnic, and religious divides.
In his address to the Security Council, Pedersen emphasized that the current Syrian government and its populace are working towards a transition in the face of various complex and daunting challenges. He urged for international support for Syria, advocating that all citizens should have a voice in shaping their nation's future.
Despite the numerous challenges facing Syria, Pedersen expressed optimism that "with genuine negotiation and bold compromise, unity is within reach, and success against the odds is possible." His belief in the potential for resolution underscores the importance of continued diplomatic efforts in the region.
Before his role in Syria, Pedersen held several notable positions within the United Nations, including serving as the special coordinator for Lebanon from 2007 to 2008. He was also part of Norway's team that negotiated the 1993 Oslo Accords, which facilitated mutual recognition between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel. Additionally, he represented Norway at the Palestinian Authority from 1998 to 2003.
In his farewell message, Pedersen highlighted the critical nature of the ongoing diplomatic work in Syria, leaving behind a legacy of negotiation and efforts to stimulate dialogue amidst conflict. His resignation marks a significant transition in the U.N.'s engagement with one of the world's most complex and enduring crises.
