Ambassador Pierre Vimont elected Chair of HD Board
GENEVA – Dec 14, 2021 – Ambassador Pierre Vimont of France has been elected Chair of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue’s foundation board, returning to the role after three years to help guide HD’s innovative work on mediation and peacemaking in more than 50 conflict zones around the world.
Ambassador Vimont’s appointment follows the departure of Espen Barth Eide, who has stepped down as board Chair to take up his new position as Norway’s Minister of Climate and the Environment.
“Pierre brings vast experience of international affairs at the highest level. He is a master of the grand tradition of diplomacy – the quiet, patient, thoughtful, creative pursuit of common ground,” said David Harland, HD’s Executive Director.
Ambassador Vimont is a Senior Associate at Carnegie Europe, where his research focuses on the European Neighbourhood Policy, transatlantic relations and French foreign policy.
He was the Executive Secretary-General of the EU’s European External Action Service from 2010 to 2015 and led a long and successful career in the French diplomatic service with postings that included Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador to the European Union and Chief of Staff to three French foreign ministers.
He holds the title of Ambassador of France, a dignity bestowed for life on only a few French diplomats, and is also a Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit).
“I am honoured by the trust being placed in me and I look forward to heading a board that remains flexible and responsive in supporting HD’s work to achieve peace through dialogue and mediation,” said Ambassador Vimont. “This is a critical moment for HD Centre, with key roles in Libya and many conflicts elsewhere, and I hope to help HD and its people make the most effective contributions to peace.”
The board sets the mission and general policy of the non-profit foundation and provides overall supervision of HD’s mediation and peacebuilding programmes. The 13 members sit on the board on a voluntary and private basis.