South Africa’s newly appointed Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Zaheer Laher, has formally presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.
The presentation of credentials formally marks the beginning of Ambassador Laher’s tenure representing South Africa at one of the world’s most important centres of multilateral diplomacy.
Experienced Multilateral Diplomat Takes Up Geneva Posting
Ambassador Laher brings more than 27 years of experience in South Africa’s foreign service, with extensive expertise in multilateral diplomacy, international law, United Nations affairs, peace and security, sustainable development and international coordination.
Before his appointment as Permanent Representative in Geneva, Laher had served as South Africa’s Acting Chief State Law Advisor for International Law since 2024.
He concurrently served as Chief Director responsible for United Nations Political, Peace and Security matters in South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation since 2021.
His appointment brings extensive institutional and diplomatic experience to South Africa’s representation in Geneva, where key international negotiations and policy discussions take place across areas including human rights, global health, humanitarian affairs, international labour, trade and development.
More Than Two Decades in South Africa’s Foreign Service
Throughout his diplomatic career, Ambassador Laher has held several senior positions focused on multilateral affairs and South Africa’s engagement with the United Nations system.
Between 2019 and 2021, he served as Acting Chief Director for United Nations Political, Peace and Security matters. He was also Director for International Coordination from 2014 to 2021.
His earlier roles included serving as Acting Director for Economic Development between 2013 and 2014 and as Minister Counsellor and Political Coordinator at the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations in New York from 2010 to 2013.
He also served as Acting Director for Social Development in 2010 and as Deputy Director responsible for United Nations economic, social and cultural rights, organisational and health matters between 2009 and 2010.
These responsibilities have given Laher extensive exposure to political negotiations, international development processes, peace and security issues and the broader multilateral agenda.
From Law to Diplomacy
Ambassador Laher began his professional career as an attorney in 1997 before joining South Africa’s foreign service in 1998.
His legal background has remained an important part of his diplomatic career, particularly through his work in international law and multilateral negotiations.
He holds a Master of Laws degree, obtained in 2000; a Bachelor of Laws degree, obtained in 1996; and a Bachelor of Arts degree, obtained in 1994. All three qualifications were obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Advancing South Africa’s Multilateral Diplomacy
The Permanent Mission of South Africa in Geneva plays a central role in advancing the country’s foreign policy priorities within the multilateral system.
Geneva is home to the United Nations Office at Geneva and numerous international organisations dealing with human rights, humanitarian affairs, public health, international labour standards, trade, development and other areas of global governance.
Ambassador Laher’s extensive experience in the United Nations system, international law and political, peace and security matters positions him to lead South Africa’s engagement across this complex multilateral landscape.
His arrival in Geneva comes as South Africa continues to advocate for stronger multilateral institutions, reform of global governance structures, sustainable development, international solidarity and a global system that more effectively reflects the priorities and interests of developing countries and the African continent.
The presentation of credentials on 29 June 2026 formally opens a new chapter in South Africa’s diplomatic representation in Geneva and places an experienced multilateral diplomat at the centre of the country’s engagement with the United Nations and the wider international community.
