WHO is WHO – Peter Due: The new head of UNMIK, speaks four languages, well acquainted with the situation in Kosovo

The new head of UNMIK in Kosovo, Peter Due from Denmark, has previously worked in both Pristina and Belgrade during his career and brings more than 30 years of experience in international missions.

The UN highlights his extensive experience in international missions

In a UN statement, it is noted that Peter Due brings to his new role as Special Representative of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) extensive experience encompassing more than 30 years in international peace and security.

“His distinguished career in the United Nations (UN) has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities of global peacekeeping and diplomatic efforts. Prior to his recent appointment, Due served as Director for Asia and the Pacific, where he oversaw various initiatives aimed at fostering stability and development in conflict-affected regions,” the statement says.

Praised Serbia’s engagement in UN peacekeeping missions

In an interview for Politika in 2014, Due said that Serbia was among the ten European countries contributing the most to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide, and the leader in the Western Balkans in that regard.

In Pristina in 1999

He worked in the field as a political affairs officer in Kosovo with UNMIK (1999–2000) and in Sierra Leone with UNAMSIL, as well as a humanitarian affairs officer in Liberia. Earlier in his international career, he worked with the Intergovernmental Consultations on Asylum, Refugee and Migration Policies and with the Commission on Global Governance, both based in Geneva.

In New York, he served as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations (2009–2013), Team Leader for West Africa (2008–2009), and Team Leader for Europe and Latin America (2008).

He also served as Head of Department at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen and at the Danish Embassy in Eritrea. From 2013 to 2015, he was Representative of the Secretary-General and Chief of the United Nations Office in Belgrade.

Speaks four languages, holds degrees in philosophy, politics, and economics

Due holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford, a master’s degree in International Relations from the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, and a candidate degree in Social Sciences and Philosophy from the University of Copenhagen. He speaks Danish, English, French, and German. He is married and has one son.