Staffan de Mistura is a long-serving Italian-Swedish diplomat and former member of the Italian government. Having worked in various United Nations agencies for 40 years, we was appointed Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the Italian cabinet. He is currently United Nations special envoy for the Syria crisis and the director of Villa San Michele on Capri. His previous posts in the UN have included Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq (2007-2009) and Afghanistan (2010-2011), Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Southern Lebanon (2001-2004), and director of the UN Information Centre in Rome (2000-2001).

Events participated in:

A Diplomatic Life: Former UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, and Stephanie Williams talk to Nicola Sturgeon MSP, about their diplomatic experiences as they consider the future of the United Nations and its security council. Joined by questions from a Peebles High School student, as part of the Beyond Borders Youth Programme. (2024)

A Diplomatic Life: Listen to veteran United Nations diplomat Staffan de Mistura as he reflects on his time as Special Envoy to Syria and his life in pursuit of peace. Razia Iqbal asks the questions. Mark Muller Stuart QC introduces. (2019)

10 Years That Shook the World: Join us as we look back at the events that have helped shape the last decade and the next, with Oscar Guardiola-Rivera and guests including Razia Iqbal, Staffan de Mistura, and Erik Berglof. Followed bya drinks reception celebrating the 10th anniversaryof the Beyond Borders International Festival. (2019)

A Diplomatic Affair: Listen to veteran UN Diplomat and Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura as he talks to Allan Little about his life, and find out why he painted camels blue in Sudan. (2016)

3.5 Billion Cracks and Counting: Lyse Doucet talks to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura about the increasing role women are playing in peacemaking and politics, including Europe’s future. (2016)

Women in Conflict Launch: Join First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and Founder of Beyond Borders Mark Muller Stuart QC at the launch of the Women in Conflict Peace Initiative as they welcome this year’s Women in Conflict Fellows from around the world to Scotland. (2015)

A Diplomatic Affair: Sir Kieran Prendergast talks to veteran UN diplomat Staffan de Mistura about his life and work, including his time as UN Special Envoy to Syria. (2015)