The diplomatic formalities are complete. Retired General Edelin Calixte Randriamiandrisoa has officially taken up his position on the multilateral stage. The diplomat presented his credentials on July 29 to Monica Juma, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna. A month earlier, on June 30, he had completed the same procedure with Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva.
Appointed Ambassador of Madagascar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, he also serves as Permanent Representative to specialized agencies based in Vienna, notably the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This dual role places him at the heart of international issues concerning, among others, industrial development.
A former general officer of the air force, Edelin Randriamiandrisoa brings to these new responsibilities a diverse background spanning both military and public administration. He has spent more than a decade heading ministries, five years as adviser to senior government officials, and served in government during the 2009 Transition as Minister of Environment and Forests. He has also held strategic positions within the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.