Since 2 September 2022, Roza Otunbayeva has been working as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

 

Ms. Otunbayeva brings to the position over 35 years of professional experience in leadership, diplomacy, civic engagement and international cooperation. She served as President of the Kyrgyz Republic (2010-2011) and on three occasions as Foreign Minister. She was a Member of Parliament (2007-2010) and served as Deputy Prime Minister (1986-1989) of her country. From 1989 to 1991, she was President of the Soviet National Commission for UNESCO.

 

Ms. Otunbayeva was first Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States of America and Canada (1992-1994) and Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Kingdom (1997-2002).

 

Ms. Otunbayeva holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Moscow State University and a degree from the Philosophy Faculty of the Moscow State University. She is fluent in Kyrgyz, Russian and English.