Salim Ahmed Salim is one of Africa’s most senior diplomats and statesmen. He recently concluded service as the African Union’s Special Envoy for Darfur.

Dr. Salim began his political career in international diplomacy, serving Tanzania in numerous ambassadorial posts, including postings in Egypt, India, and China, and serving as Permanent Representative to the UN starting from 1970. Six years later, he was elected President of the United Nations Security Council and went on to serve as President of the Thirty-Fourth Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 1979.

He returned to a major role in Tanzanian domestic politics, holding several senior ministerial positions as well as that of Prime Minister. He then resumed his international work, serving as Secretary General of the Organisation of African Unity from 1989 to 2001, overseeing its transformation into the African Union. As Chair of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation, Dr. Salim helped entrench a new era of independence across the continent. A leading figure in the fight against apartheid, he served as the Chairman of the United Nations Security Council Commission on Sanctions against Rhodesia, President of the International Conference on Sanctions against South Africa and President of the Paris International Conference on Apartheid. In recognition of his contribution to Africa he has been awarded numerous national honours from an array of African countries, including Togo, Rwanda and Liberia.

Among his many roles, he is a member of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Small Arms and Light Weapons, the board of the South Centre, the Policy Advisory Commission, and the World Intellectual Property Organization. He is also a member of the Foundation Council of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue based in Geneva. He chairs the advisory board of South Africa’s Institute of Security Studies and the international board of Africa Humanitarian Action based in Ethiopia. On behalf of the African Development Bank he acts as African Water Ambassador, mobilising support on African water issues.