Mona Juul

Mona Juul is a distinguished Norwegian diplomat who has held several of her country's most prestigious ambassadorial posts. Her career is particularly noted for her deep involvement in international peace processes, especially in the Middle East, and for her representation of Norway at major multilateral forums. She has served as the Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations in New York City since 2019, following a tenure as Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Juul played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in facilitating the Oslo Accords during the 1990s.

Early life and education

Mona Juul was born in 1959 in Levanger, a municipality within the former county of Nord-Trøndelag. She pursued her higher education at the University of Oslo, where she studied political science and graduated with a cand.polit. degree. Her academic focus on international relations and governance provided a strong foundation for her future career in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her studies, she developed an interest in conflict resolution and multilateral diplomacy, which would define her professional path.

Diplomatic career

Juul joined the Norwegian Foreign Service in the 1980s, embarking on a career that would see her specialize in peace and reconciliation efforts. A defining period came in the early 1990s when she, alongside her husband Terje Rød-Larsen, was instrumental in facilitating the secret negotiations between the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Government of Israel that led to the Oslo Accords. She served as a key aide and note-taker during the historic talks hosted at the Grefsenåsen conference center and later at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Following this, she held various positions, including State Secretary in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as Norway's Ambassador to Israel, based in Tel Aviv.

Ambassador to the United Kingdom

In 2014, Mona Juul was appointed as the Ambassador of Norway to the Court of St James's, presenting her credentials to Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Based at the Norwegian Embassy in London, her tenure focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Norway and the United Kingdom, particularly in areas of trade, energy, and security cooperation in the wake of the Brexit referendum. She worked closely with the British government, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and various parliamentary groups to navigate the complex post-Brexit relationship and advocate for Norway's interests.

Ambassador to the United Nations

Appointed by the government of Erna Solberg, Juul assumed the role of Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations in 2019. At the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, she represents Norway on the United Nations Security Council, where the country served an elected term from 2021-2022. Her priorities have included promoting multilateral solutions to global challenges, advancing Norway's commitment to peacekeeping through the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, and focusing on issues such as climate security, women's participation in peace processes, and humanitarian affairs in conflicts like the war in Afghanistan and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Personal life

Mona Juul is married to fellow diplomat and sociologist Terje Rød-Larsen, with whom she collaborated closely on the Oslo Accords. Their partnership has been a significant aspect of both their personal and professional lives. She is recognized for her discreet and effective diplomatic style, often working diligently behind the scenes. In recognition of her service, she has been honored with the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav, receiving the rank of Commander.

Category:Norwegian diplomats Category:Ambassadors of Norway to the United Kingdom Category:Permanent Representatives of Norway to the United Nations Category:1959 births Category:Living people