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Welcome to our website ! Here you can find useful information on the role and functioning of the Belgian mission in Geneva. As a founding member of the United Nations, Belgium is committed to an efficient multilateralism, as it remains the best chance for the world community to respond to the global challenges of the 21st century. The crises of the last few years have illustrated the importance of the place like Geneva, where states, civil society representatives, academia and private actors meet, dialogue, negotiate and cooperate on a daily basis on a wide range of issues affecting the daily life of our citizens, in terms of health, human rights, migration, economy, development, labour, humanitarian aid, environment, research, disarmament, etc..
The whole world is represented here in Geneva, with its full diversity. This is the strength of multilateralism when consensus can be found. But it is also a challenge, especially in a more polarized world where the respect for the rule of law and human rights is put into question by some. Nevertheless, delegations remain engaged and decisions and actions are being taken by the international community to tackle numerous issues, some more visible or technical than others.
Together with our colleagues from the European Union, the whole team at the Belgian Mission remains a reliable and constructive partner. With multilateralism as part of our DNA, we aim at demonstrating that international cooperation deliver for our societies. This is also our commitment throughout our mandate in the UN Human Rights Council till the end of 2025. Belgian also provides significant financial contributions to the Geneva-based organizations. The efficiency of the international organizations therefore is another priority to contribute towards this objective.
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H.E. Mr. Christophe Payot, Permanent Representative of Belgium
Curriculum vitae
Presently
August 2024: Ambassador – Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations and international institutions in Geneva, to the Conference on Disarmament and the World Trade Organisation
Formerly
2021 – 2024: Director of the Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2017 – 2021: Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Belgium to the United States
2014 – 2017: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the State of Qatar
2011 – 2014: Advisor to the Belgian Foreign Minister, including on multilateral affairs
2009 – 2011: Deputy European Correspondent then European Correspondent (CFSP)
2006 – 2009: Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations in New York
2000 – 2006: various positions in New York (United Nations), Islamabad and Kabul
Education
Master in International Relations
Master in Financial Economics
Married with two children