Santiago Villalpando's nomination is for a term of seven years, beginning on 1 August 2026, and marks an important step in a distinguished career dedicated to international law and global governance.

Since 2019, he has been the Legal Adviser of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the Director of its Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs. He previously held multiple positions within the United Nations Secretariat, including as Chief of the Treaty Section within the Office of Legal Affairs (2013-2018), Registrar of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal in New York (2010-2011), and Legal Officer within the Codification Division (2006-2009).

From 2002-2006, he served as a Legal Officer within the Registry of the International Court of Justice. 

Santiago Villalpando holds a master's degree (1997) and a PhD in International Law (2003) from the Geneva Graduate Institute.

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