Dr Athar Sultan-Khan
Dean and Professor of Diplomacy and International Relations
- Faculty Type
- Core Teaching Faculty
- Professional Experience
-
- Geneva School of Diplomacy — Dean and Professor of Diplomacy and International Relations, 2018–present
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees — Special Advisor on Diplomatic Matters
- Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General — Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, 2017
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees — Chef de Cabinet, 2002–2017
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees — Senior leadership and representative positions in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa
- Education
-
- Geneva School of Diplomacy — Doctor of International Relations, 2016
- Columbia University — Master of International Affairs, 1980
Biography
Dr Athar Sultan-Khan is Dean and Professor of Diplomacy and International Relations at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and Chair of its Advisory Council. He joined GSD as Dean in 2018 following nearly four decades of service with the United Nations. In 2017, he served as Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General. From 2002 to 2017, he was Chef de Cabinet at UNHCR, working with three consecutive UN High Commissioners for Refugees and coordinating with three UN Secretaries-General. His earlier UNHCR career included senior leadership and representative assignments across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Dr Sultan-Khan continues to advise UNHCR on diplomatic matters and provides training in diplomacy and diplomatic protocol. His academic and professional work focuses on multilateral diplomacy, humanitarian affairs, conflict resolution and his concept of “Real Diplomacy by Dialogue.”