UNITED NATIONS, May 7, 2025 (WSH) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos as the UN’s Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, a move widely welcomed by UN member states and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Mr. Moratinos currently serves as the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). A veteran Spanish diplomat, he previously served as Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (2004–2010) and has been internationally recognized for his decades-long efforts to foster intercultural dialogue, tolerance, and conflict resolution.
The appointment comes in response to UN General Assembly Resolution 78/264, adopted in March 2024 and spearheaded by Pakistan on behalf of the OIC, calling for greater global action to address rising Islamophobia and religious hatred. The resolution specifically mandated the appointment of a special envoy to lead UN efforts to combat anti-Muslim discrimination and foster inclusive dialogue among civilizations.
Welcoming the appointment, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, called it “a major milestone” in the OIC’s campaign to promote tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence among all faiths.
“Together, we stand against faith-based hatred and discrimination,” the ambassador stated.
Ambassador Asim emphasized that the appointment is both timely and essential, noting the disturbing rise in hate speech and violence targeting Muslim communities around the world. He reiterated Pakistan’s full support for the newly appointed envoy’s mandate, pledging cooperation in advancing mutual understanding and global peace.
