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The Embassy of Iceland in Geneva |
Contact
Address
Permanent Mission of Iceland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
Chemin du Pommier 42
Bâtiment Kyoto, 4ème étage
1218 Grand Saconnex
or
P.O. Box 86
1211 Geneva 20
Phone Number
+41 22 716 17 00
Email
icedel.genf@utn.stjr.is
The Ambassador
Amb. Einar Gunnarsson
H.E. Mr. Einar Gunnarsson is a senior heavyweight of the Icelandic foreign service, possessing a distinguished career that spans over three decades in top-tier diplomatic and administrative roles. He assumed his duties as the Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations in Geneva after serving as Iceland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and holding the prestigious position of Permanent Secretary of State (the highest non-political rank) within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Reykjavik.
Throughout his extensive career, Ambassador Gunnarsson has specialized in international trade negotiations, Arctic governance, and multilateral affairs. He has served as Iceland’s Chief Negotiator for the Free Trade Agreement between Iceland and China and held key postings in Brussels, dealing closely with European Economic Area (EEA) affairs. In the diplomatic community, he is highly regarded for his deep expertise in international maritime frameworks, sustainable resource management, and high-stakes multilateral mediation.
History
As a small nation with an economy heavily reliant on open markets and sustainable marine resources, Iceland’s diplomatic strategy in International Geneva is exceptionally focused, pragmatic, and impact-driven.
The Permanent Mission serves as Iceland’s vital link to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – which is headquartered in Geneva – and the United Nations Human Rights Council. Historically, the mission’s core priorities revolve around advocating for the liberalization of global trade, protecting fish stocks and ocean ecosystems under international law, and promoting gender equality. Iceland heavily utilizes its platform in Geneva to lead global initiatives on human rights (particularly women's rights and LGBTIQ+ equality) and to ensure that the economic interests of smaller, high-income nations are protected in global trade frameworks.
