Secretary-General Appoints Major General Diodato Abagnara

United Nations Secretary-General Antรณnio Guterres has appointed Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy as the new Head of Mission and Force Commander for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This announcement marks a significant leadership change as Major General Abagnara takes over from Lieutenant General Aroldo Lรกzaro Sรกenz of Spain. Guterres expressed his gratitude to Sรกenz for his dedicated service during a challenging period for the mission.

Leadership Transition at UNIFIL

The appointment of Major General Diodato Abagnara comes at a crucial time for UNIFIL, which has been navigating complex challenges in Lebanon. Guterres acknowledged the contributions of Lieutenant General Aroldo Lรกzaro Sรกenz, who led the mission through a particularly demanding phase. Abagnara’s extensive military background and leadership experience are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the mission. His transition into this role signifies the UN’s ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Major General Abagnara’s Military Background

Major General Abagnara brings over 36 years of military experience to his new position. His most recent role was as Commander and Chair of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon, where he coordinated multinational efforts to support the Lebanese Armed Forces. His previous appointments include serving as the Personnel Division Chief and Adviser to the Chief of Defence Staff, as well as commanding an infantry brigade. Notably, he was the UNIFIL Sector West Commander from 2018 to 2019, which provided him with valuable insights into the operational dynamics of the mission.

Abagnara’s leadership style is characterized by a commitment to inclusive practices, as evidenced by his role as chair of the Joint Gender Perspective Council within the Defence General Staff. This focus on gender inclusivity highlights his dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable environment within military operations.

Educational Qualifications and Language Proficiency

Major General Abagnara’s academic credentials are impressive, holding four bachelor’s degrees in various fields, including political science and international diplomatic sciences, from esteemed Italian universities. He has also earned six master’s degrees, covering areas such as law, strategic sciences, and cybersecurity. His educational background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of both military and strategic issues, which will be beneficial in his new role.

In addition to his academic achievements, Abagnara is fluent in English and Italian, and he also speaks French and Spanish. This linguistic proficiency will aid in his interactions with international partners and enhance communication within the diverse UNIFIL team.

Looking Ahead

As Major General Diodato Abagnara steps into his new role, the international community will be watching closely to see how his leadership influences the operations of UNIFIL. His extensive experience and commitment to inclusive leadership are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the mission in Lebanon. The UN continues to emphasize the importance of stability in the region, and Abagnara’s appointment is a key part of that strategy.


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