Ahmet Uzumcu
Date of Birth: 30.08.1591
Country: Turkey |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Diplomatic Career
- Ambassadorial and NATO Roles
- Director-General of the OPCW
- Personal Life
- Awards and Honors
- 2015: Officer of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour
Early Life and Education
Ahmet Üzümcü was born on August 30, 1951, in Armutlu, Turkey. In 1975, he graduated from Ankara University's Faculty of Political Sciences. He served in the Turkish military from 1976 to 1978.
Diplomatic Career
Üzümcü began his diplomatic career in 1978, working for the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 1979 to 1982, he served at the Turkish embassy in Vienna, holding positions as second and first secretary.
In 1982, Üzümcü was appointed to the Turkish Consulate General in Aleppo, Syria. From 1984 to 1986, he headed a unit within the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' human resources department.
Between 1986 and 1994, Üzümcü worked for NATO. From 1996 to 1999, he led the human resources department within the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassadorial and NATO Roles
In 1999, Üzümcü became the Turkish ambassador to Israel, a position he held until 2002. He then served as Turkey's Permanent Representative to NATO from 2002 to 2004.
Director-General of the OPCW
In 2009, Üzümcü was elected Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at its 14th session. He assumed the role on July 25, 2010. In 2013, he was re-elected.
Personal Life
Üzümcü is married and has a daughter. He is fluent in English and French.
Awards and Honors
2013: Nobel Peace Prize (awarded to the OPCW)2014: Honorary Doctorate from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO)