Ambassador Gerard McGourk takes office as new head of O Mission SEU in Kosovo

Ambassador McGurk's diplomatic experience includes wide engagement in crisis management, international bilateral and multilateral relations in various regions, from Madrid, Amani, to Skopje and the United Nations in New York. Ambassador McGourk was part of the British Government Team for Final Status under the work of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari (2005-2007).

These experiences have shaped my approach to diplomacy, focusing on comprehensive dialogue, partnership, respect and cooperation. These values are deeply rooted in the work of the OSCE here. As the mission's new chief, I am committed to continuing the extraordinary work of my ancestors in fulfilling the mission's core mandate, responsible for improving good governance, protecting and promoting human and community rights, as well as increasing public security for all,” Ambassador McGurk said.

Ambassador McGourk worked earlier as Deputy Director and Chief of the Department for Security and Resilience at the Office for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO), as well as Deputy Director for Network and Performance.

He has led the consular sector in Task Force for Afghanistan in London, playing critical leadership role in times of crisis during the international evacuation from Kabul in the August-September 2021 period. Also, it was part of the United Kingdom Mission to the UN in New York as a representative of the British government on sanctions committees against Iraq and Al-Qaeda. In the summer of 2003, it was delegated to Iraq to work with the Coalition's Interim Authority (CPA). His first engagement abroad was at the British Embassy in Athens, Greece, in 1991.