Former United Nations Ambassador and politician Bill Richardson passed away at the age of 75.
Bill Richardson had a long and distinguished career in public service. He was an important figure in U.S. foreign policy and politics, holding several high profile positions at the United Nations, as well as in U.S. government departments.
Richardson was born December 15, 1944, in Pasadena, California. He graduated from Tufts University in 1967 and in 1971 he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in international politics from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Richardson first began his career in public service in 1974, when he was appointed to the post of Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department. He served in this role for three years, before being appointed as United Nations Ambassador by President Jimmy Carter. He served in this position from 1979 to 1981.
During his tenure as U.N. Ambassador, Richardson was known for his efforts to make the United Nations more effective in dealing with international crises. He was also a leading advocate for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and he was a strong supporter of the United Nations’ mission to end the civil war in El Salvador.
Richardson was also a successful politician, and in 1982 he was elected Governor of New Mexico. He served in this role until 1993. He subsequently sought the Democratic nomination for President in 2008, but was unsuccessful in his bid.
In the last few years of his life, Richardson served as a special envoy for the United Nations and the Obama Administration. He also served on the advisory board of United Nations Development Program.
The world has lost an important public servant. Bill Richardson made immense contributions to the international community, and he will be remembered for his tireless efforts to advance peace and human rights. He will be deeply missed.