Olivier Poivre d’Arvor

Olivier Poivre d’Arvor is a French diplomat, cultural manager, and writer with extensive experience in international cultural and diplomatic affairs. Trained as a philosopher, he began his career as a literary adviser, actor, and director, later holding leadership positions in French cultural institutions in Alexandria, Prague, and London. From 2000 to 2010, he directed the French Association for Artistic Action (AFAA), which later became Culturesfrance, and established the French Institute. In 2010, he was appointed director of the radio station France Culture. From 2016 to 2020, he served as France’s ambassador to Tunisia.  In December 2020, Poivre d’Arvor was appointed Ambassador for the Poles and the Oceans, and in January 2022, he became the Special Envoy of the President of France for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), scheduled to take place in Nice in June 2025.  As Special Envoy, he emphasizes the need for global action to protect oceans, including combating pollution, promoting sustainable maritime management, and decarbonizing maritime transport. He advocates for the involvement of all stakeholders, including youth, NGOs, and the scientific community, in the preparation for the conference.  Poivre d’Arvor is the author of numerous novels and essays, including “Le Voyage du fils,” which won the Prix Renaudot des lycéens, and “Le Jour où j’ai rencontré ma fille.” He has also served as the chairman of France’s National Maritime Museum since 2014.