UNITED NATIONS, Wednesday, May 07, 2025 (WNP): UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday appointed Miguel Ángel Moratinos, former Spanish Foreign Minister, as the first-ever United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia — a move hailed as a milestone in the global effort to tackle anti-Muslim hatred.
Moratinos will concurrently continue his responsibilities as the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), a key initiative aimed at promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue. The dual appointment, according to the UN, is intended to maximize efficiency by integrating the new mandate within an existing structure.
The landmark decision follows sustained diplomatic efforts by Pakistan, which has long advocated for international recognition of Islamophobia as a serious threat to global peace and human rights. Islamabad successfully spearheaded a resolution at the UN General Assembly calling for concrete action against anti-Muslim violence. The resolution also urged the Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy, a recommendation now realized through Moratinos’ appointment.
The same resolution led to the UN designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, commemorating the 2019 terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which claimed 51 lives.
Moratinos brings decades of high-level diplomatic experience to the role. As Spain’s Foreign Minister from 2004 to 2010, he played a pivotal role in advancing multilateralism and held key international leadership positions, including Spain’s presidency of the UN Security Council, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and the EU Council. He was instrumental in launching several UN-backed initiatives in development, women’s empowerment, and global health — significantly increasing Spain’s Official Development Assistance during his tenure.
After leaving the cabinet, Moratinos served in parliament (2010–2011), where he focused on food security, the fight against poverty, and the promotion of the right to food. He was later involved with the Global Dry Land Alliance, helping craft international treaties on food security.
Earlier in his career, he held critical foreign policy roles related to the Middle East and North Africa, including serving as the EU’s Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process from 1996 to 2003. In that capacity, he worked extensively to promote Arab-Israeli dialogue and peace negotiations on behalf of the European Union.
Moratinos holds degrees in Law and Political Science from the Complutense University of Madrid, along with a diploma in Diplomatic Studies. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French.
