Jan Kickert (born 30 March 1964) is an Austrian career diplomat who has served as Austria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York since 2015. He has held a series of senior positions within the Austrian foreign service, including ambassadorial postings and leadership roles in multilateral affairs.
Early life and education
Kickert was born in Vienna, Austria. He studied law at the University of Vienna, obtaining a Doctor of Laws (Dr. iur.) degree. He subsequently pursued further training in international relations and diplomatic practice.
Diplomatic career
- Early postings: Kickert entered the Austrian diplomatic service in the early 1990s, serving in various capacities at Austrian missions abroad, including assignments in the United Kingdom and the United Nations Office in Geneva.
- Senior roles: He held the position of Director for International Organizations at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was responsible for coordinating Austria’s engagement with the United Nations system and other multilateral institutions.
- Ambassadorial appointments: Prior to his United Nations posting, Kickert served as Austria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom (2013–2015).
- Permanent Representative to the UN: Appointed in September 2015, Kickter represents Austria in the UN General Assembly, the Security Council (when Austria serves as a non‑permanent member), and various UN bodies and committees. He has participated in negotiations on peace‑keeping, human rights, climate change, and development issues.
Notable contributions
During his tenure at the UN, Kickert has been active in advocating for multilateral solutions to global challenges, emphasizing Austria’s commitment to human rights, sustainable development, and the rule of law. He has spoken on behalf of Austria in debates on refugee protection, climate action, and the reform of UN governance structures.
Personal life
Kickert is married and has children. He is fluent in German, English, and French, and has published articles on diplomacy and international law in academic and policy journals.
Recognition
In recognition of his diplomatic service, Kickert has received honors from the Austrian government, including the Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria.
References
- Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations – Jan Kickert.”
- United Nations Press Releases, various dates (2015–present).
- Official biography, Embassy of Austria, United Kingdom (archived).