Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations, is also Chairperson of the Third Committee of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly. The Third Committee’s work centers on social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues. It examines questions relating to the advancement of women, protection of children, indigenous issues, treatment of refugees, promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self-determination. The Committee also addresses questions of social development on issues such as family, aging, criminal justice and international drug control.
Prior to serving at the UN, Mr. Gunnarsson held a number of positions in defense, trade, and foreign affairs. At Iceland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gunnarsson served as Permanent Secretary of State (2009-2014), the Director and Chief Negotiator at the Department of International Trade Negotiations (2008-09) and the Director of Human Resources for the Foreign Service (2007-08).