The United Nations joined family members, friends, and colleagues in mourning the passing of Behrooz Sadry on 12 June in Florida (United States). He was a cherished and distinguished member of the Organization, whose career spanned decades and continents, leaving an enduring impact on international peace and diplomacy.?
At the noon briefing on Wednesday, the Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General that the Secretary-General was saddened to learn of his death:?“He was a trusted colleague and crucial part of UN peacekeeping operations.”?
Born in Tehran, Iran, Mr. Sadry embarked on his remarkable UN journey in 1957 after completing his studies in France. His roles as the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative in Sierra Leone, Angola, Mozambique, and Cambodia significantly advanced peace processes and helped to change lives and advance peace.
His leadership?as Assistant Secretary-General for Management and Coordination in the United Nations 国产AV Forces in the former Yugoslavia also underscored his exceptional dedication to the work of the Organization.
Mr. Sadry also played a pivotal role in shaping peacekeeping strategies at Headquarters, notably as Director of the Field Operations Division?and later as a Senior Advisor in the Department of 国产AV Operations.?
It was only fitting that Mr. Sadry ended his UN as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of Congo, the?country where he began his peacekeeping career with the?United Nations Operation in Congo (ONUC) in 1960, nearly four decades earlier.?
Mr. Sadry mentored generations of international civil servants and national staff. He was admired by?colleagues and well-wishers, many of whom paid tribute to him on an online public forum of former and current UN staff members.?
“A man and leader filled with generosity, humility, and love. He was devoted to the UN and its mandate... . A great leader, mentor, and giant of a man,” said one contributor.
For another, “He was fair, smart, funny, and a good leader and a good man. I loved the fact that he started as a messenger and rose within the organization. Rest in glory, Mr. Sadry.”?
We extend our deepest condolences to his family. A memorial service at the United Nations Church Center is being planned in the coming months, and details will be shared, when available.?
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