United Nations - German diplomat Schmid is to lead the UN General Assembly
The German top diplomat Helga Schmid is set to become President of the UN General Assembly in New York starting next year. The German government nominated the 63-year-old at a Wednesday ceremony at the Foreign Office, according to the German Press Agency. With no anticipated opponents, Schmid's appointment is considered secure from early September 2025.
Current OSCE General Secretary Schmid is described as "one of the most experienced German top diplomats, well-connected, and enjoys international high esteem." She has steered the OSCE through difficult past years. Prior to her role at the OSCE, Schmid was General Secretary of the European Foreign Service in Brussels.
Milestone Atom Deal
Schmid made a name for herself with a historic deal: she was a leading figure in the negotiations on the Atom Accord with Iran, which was signed in 2015 - and whose future is extremely uncertain since the US withdrawal.
With Schmid, a diplomatic heavyweight will assume the role of the Chair in the 80th session of the World Parliament - the UN General Secretary's office is often seen as largely ceremonial in comparison. Schmid's role would be to represent UN member states as a whole.
During the annual meeting of heads of state and government at the UN General Debate, she would be one of the first to deliver a speech. The UN General Assembly has gained significance in recent years as a global mood barometer in the face of severe wars. However, the 15-member Security Council, with its ability to adopt legally binding resolutions, is considered much more powerful.
Only Four Women as President of the General Assembly
Schmid received the Federal Cross of Merit I Class in 2015. One of her supporters, former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, praised her diplomatic skills and tenacity. Schmid worked early in her career in the German embassy in Washington and as an advisor to her predecessor Klaus Kinkel (FDP).
According to the Foreign Office, Schmid would be the fifth woman to preside over the UN General Assembly in the over 75-year history of the United Nations. The actual election takes place in June 2025 in the largest UN body. Since the countries competing for the position negotiate with each other before the nomination, Schmid's job is considered secure.
Germany, reunified, is applying for the position for the first time. Previously, Rudiger von Wechmar represented the Federal Republic in 1981 and Peter Florin represented the GDR in 1987.
- Helga Schmid, set to become President of the UN General Assembly in New York starting next year, was nominated by the German government at a ceremony held at the Foreign Office.
- The current OSCE General Secretary Schmid, with her extensive diplomatic experience and high international esteem, is widely recognized as one of the most experienced German top diplomats.
- Schmid, who will preside over the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, is set to represent UN member states as a whole during the annual meeting of heads of state and government at the UN General Debate.
- As a diplomatic heavyweight, Schmid's role in the UN General Assembly is expected to be significant, given the body's rise as a global mood barometer in the face of severe wars.
- With her appointment as President of the UN General Assembly, Schmid will join the ranks of only four women who have held this position in the over 75-year history of the United Nations.
- Previously, Germany had not applied for the position itself, with Rudiger von Wechmar representing the Federal Republic in 1981 and Peter Florin representing the GDR in 1987, but now, reunified Germany will be contesting for the first time.
