Dr Christian Turner CMG

Biography

Christian Turner was appointed UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York in May 2025 and will start the role later in 2025.

Christian was Political Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) from January 2023 to September 2025.

Christian was British High Commissioner to Pakistan, from December 2019 to January 2023. Before that, he was the Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser from 2017 to 2019.

He previously served as the Director General, Political (Acting) and Director General for the Middle East and Africa, leading the UK organisation of the London Syria Conference in February 2016. From 2012 to 2015 he was British High Commissioner to Kenya; and from 2009 to 2012 he was FCO’s Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Between 1997 and 2008 Christian held various positions in the Foreign Office, the Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street, including as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, as Secretary to the Economic & Domestic Committees of Cabinet, and as First Secretary in the British Embassy in Washington from 2002 to 2006.

Before joining government, Christian made television documentaries, after completing his PhD.

Previous roles in government

  • Director General Geopolitics and Political Director
    • 2023 to 2025
  • British High Commissioner to Pakistan
    • 2019 to 2023
  • Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser
    • 2017 to 2019
  • Director General, Political (Acting)
    • 2017 to 2017
  • Director General, Political
    • 2016 to 2017
  • British High Commissioner to Kenya
    • 2012 to 2015