Peter Thomson (diplomat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Thomson
OF
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Thomson in 2017
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| United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean | |
| Assumed office 2 October 2017 |
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| 71st President of the United Nations General Assembly | |
| In office September 2016 – September 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Mogens Lykketoft |
| Succeeded by | Miroslav Lajčák |
| Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations | |
| In office February 2010 – August 2017 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1948 (age 76–77) Suva, Rewa, Fiji |
| Spouse | Marijcke Thomson |
| Education | Natabua High School Sevenoaks School |
| Alma mater | University of Auckland Wolfson College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Diplomat |
Peter Thomson (born in 1948) is a diplomat from Fiji. He is currently the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean. This means he works to protect our oceans.
Before this, he was the President of the United Nations General Assembly from September 2016 to September 2017. He was also Fiji's top diplomat at the United Nations from 2010 to 2017. During this time, he also served as Fiji's Ambassador to Cuba.
As Fiji's representative at the UN, Peter Thomson held many important roles. In 2014, he led the Executive Board for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In 2013, he was in charge of the Group of 77 and China. This is a large group of 133 developing countries at the UN. He also helped change the UN's "Asian Group" to the "Asia-Pacific Group" in 2011.
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Who is Peter Thomson's Family?
Peter Thomson is a fifth-generation Fijian. His father, Sir Ian Thomson, was a British colonial administrator. His mother was Lady Nancy Thomson.
Peter married Marijcke Thomson in Fiji in 1973. They have two children, James and Nicola. They also have three granddaughters.
Where Did Peter Thomson Study?
Peter Thomson went to school in Fiji at Suva Grammar School and Natabua High School. He finished his high school studies in England at the International Centre, Sevenoaks School, in 1967.
Later, he earned a degree in political studies from University of Auckland. He also got a special diploma in development studies from Wolfson College, Cambridge.
Peter Thomson's Work in Civil Service
Peter Thomson started working for the Fiji government in 1972. He worked in rural areas, helping communities. He served as a District Officer in places like Navua and Taveuni.
In 1978, he joined Fiji's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He helped set up Fiji's Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, in 1980. He worked in Tokyo until 1984. After that, he became Fiji's Consul General in Sydney, Australia.
Returning to Fiji in 1986, he became the government's Permanent Secretary of Information. He also served on the boards of the Fiji Visitors Bureau and Fiji TV.
In 1987, he worked for the Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau. After some political changes in Fiji, he moved to New Zealand and then Australia.
What Else Has Peter Thomson Done?
From 1988, Peter Thomson worked as a consultant. He advised on investments and management in the Pacific Islands. He worked for different government groups and companies.
He helped develop the Denarau Island Resort in Fiji. This is a very popular tourism spot. He was also a founding member of business councils for Australia-Fiji and New Zealand-Fiji.
Peter Thomson's Citizenship
After living in New Zealand and Australia, Peter Thomson became a citizen of both countries. He had given up his Fiji citizenship.
However, in 2009, Fiji changed its laws to allow dual citizenship. Peter Thomson then got his original Fiji citizenship back.
Peter Thomson's Work at the United Nations
In 2010, Peter Thomson returned to diplomatic work for Fiji. He became Fiji's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Fiji has a long history of providing peacekeepers to the UN.
He worked to build stronger relationships between Fiji and other countries. During his time at the UN, Fiji started formal diplomatic ties with over ninety countries. He helped increase the influence of Pacific Small Island Developing States at the UN.
In 2011, he was elected President of the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). In 2015, he was elected President of the ISA's Council. He also served as a Vice-President of the UN General Assembly in 2011-2012.
In 2012, he successfully led Fiji's campaign to chair the Group of 77 and China. This is the UN's largest group of developing countries. He served as their leader throughout 2013.
In 2014, Fiji was elected to lead the Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Peter Thomson took on this role. He helped oversee over US$7 billion in UN funding each year.
Working for Sustainable Development Goals
Between 2013 and 2015, Peter Thomson was a strong voice for developing countries. He helped create the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are goals for a better future for everyone.
He was especially important in creating SDG14, the Ocean Goal. This goal aims to protect and use the ocean's resources wisely.
President of the UN General Assembly
On June 13, 2016, Peter Thomson was elected as the 71st President of the United Nations General Assembly. He was the first person from the Pacific Islands to hold this important position. He served from September 2016 to September 2017.
During his time as president, he helped with the change of UN Secretary-General. Ban Ki-moon was replaced by Antonio Guterres. He also organized the first UN Ocean Conference in June 2017. This event was co-hosted by Fiji and Sweden. It is seen as a key moment for global action to improve the health of our oceans.
In October 2017, he was named the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean. In this role, he encourages leaders and people to take action. He works to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 for the ocean.
See also
In Spanish: Peter Thomson para niños
