Michael Williams, Baron Williams of Baglan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Williams of Baglan
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Williams in 2012
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Charles Williams
11 June 1949 Bridgend, South Wales, United Kingdom |
| Died | 23 April 2017 (aged 67) |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Political party | Labour |
| Spouses |
Isobelle Jaques
(m. 1992)Margaret Rigby (divorced) |
| Relations | Emlyn Williams (father) Mildred (née Morgan) (mother) |
| Children | Ben Rhiannon (with Margaret Rigby) |
| Alma mater | University College London SOAS, University of London |
Michael Charles Williams, Baron Williams of Baglan (born June 11, 1949 – died April 23, 2017) was an important British diplomat. He worked for the United Nations and was also a member of the House of Lords in the UK. He was known as a "life peer," which means he was given a special title for life and could help make laws.
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About Michael Williams
Michael Charles Williams was born in Bridgend, South Wales. He grew up to become a very important person in international relations. He worked to help solve problems between countries and promote peace around the world.
His Early Life and School
Michael Williams went to Sandfields Comprehensive School in Baglan, a village in Port Talbot. Later, when he became a member of the House of Lords, he chose "Baglan" to be part of his official title. This showed his connection to his hometown.
He studied at two well-known universities in London. In 1971, he earned a bachelor's degree from University College London. Then, in 1973, he got a master's degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), where he focused on the politics of developing countries. He also earned a doctorate (a very high degree) in politics from SOAS. After his studies, he taught politics at the University of East Anglia for a few years.
His Work as a Diplomat
Lord Williams had a long and impressive career working to make the world a safer place. He was a key figure in the United Nations and worked closely with the British government.
Working for the United Nations
Michael Williams held many important roles at the United Nations.
- He was the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon. This meant he helped with important political issues in Lebanon.
- Before that, he was the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. He also advised the UN Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East.
- He led the Asia and the Pacific Division in the Department of Political Affairs.
In the 1990s, he had other senior roles with the UN.
- He was the Director of Human Rights in Cambodia during a time when the UN was helping that country.
- He was also the Director of Information for the UN Protection Force in former Yugoslavia.
Advising the UK Government
From 1999 to 2005, Michael Williams was a special adviser to two UK Foreign Secretaries. A Foreign Secretary is a top government official who handles a country's relationships with other nations. He advised Robin Cook and Jack Straw on international matters.
Other Important Roles
Michael Williams also worked for several other important organizations.
- He worked for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, which studies global security.
- He worked for the BBC World Service, which provides news around the world.
- He worked for Amnesty International, an organization that protects human rights.
- He was a member of the Executive Committee and Council of Chatham House, a leading think tank on international affairs.
- He wrote many articles about politics in Asia, international security, and peacekeeping.
- From 2011, he was a Trustee of the BBC Trust, helping to oversee the BBC.
- Since 2013, he was the Chair of the Trustee Board for MAG (Mines Advisory Group), a charity that clears landmines and bombs.
Becoming a Lord
In 2010, Michael Williams was made a "life peer." This means he was given the title of Baron Williams of Baglan. He took his seat in the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. He joined the Labour benches, meaning he was part of the Labour political group. Later, he sat as a "crossbencher," which means he didn't belong to any specific political party in the House of Lords.
Michael Williams passed away in April 2017 at the age of 67. He is remembered for his dedication to diplomacy and his efforts to promote peace and human rights around the world.
