Special Advisor on Africa and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OSAA/OHRLLS).

Mr. Cheick Sidi Diarra, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States since July 2007, has over 25 years of professional experience in international relations – bilateral and multilateral, law and development.

Mr. Diarra has been actively involved in furthering African integration efforts and the African development agenda at the international level. He has served as one of the lead negotiators on these issues at African Union summits since 1982. From his decade-long experience dealing with the United Nations, he acquired first-hand knowledge and experience of multifaceted issues of the United Nations and its intergovernmental processes in particular.

He made important contributions to the reform process of the United Nations aimed at strengthening the Organization’s global role in economic and development matters. In this context he was an active player in the intergovernmental consultation process leading up to the strengthening of ECOSOC and follow-up of the development aspects of the 2005 World Summit, including the Millennium Development Goals. He has been a dedicated advocate for the cause of Africa, the least developed countries and landlocked developing countries.

Mr. Diarra obtained masters degrees in international public law and international relations from Dakar University in Senegal. He is married with two children.

Speeches by Ambassador Cheick Sidi Diarra

Africa faces up to global turmoil - interview with Mr. Cheick Sidi Diarra, the Special Adviser on Africa, April 2009 (Fr)

Statement by Mr. Cheick Sidi Diarra, Special Adviser on Africa and High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, to the African Group, 11 March 2008

Remarks by Mr. Diarra at the Launch of Joint OECD – ADB Annual African Economic Outlook, 23 May 2008