Peter Thomson

Peter Thomson is a distinguished Fijian diplomat and a globally recognised advocate for ocean sustainability. He currently serves as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, being the first person appointed to this role. His mandate focuses on advancing global action and partnerships to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. From 2010 to 2016, Thomson served as Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations. In 2016, he was elected President of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, during a pivotal time for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. His leadership within the UN system includes serving as President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS (2014–2015), Chair of the Group of 77 and China (2013), and President of the Council and Assembly of the International Seabed Authority, promoting inclusive governance of marine resources. Earlier in his career, he held senior civil service positions in the Government of Fiji, focusing on rural development and international affairs. Between 1988 and 2009, he was Managing Director of Thomson Pacific, a development consultancy firm based in Auckland and Sydney, specialising in strategic advisory services across the Pacific region. Born in Fiji, Peter Thomson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.