"I am proud that UNTSO could always adapt and deliver, thus reconfirming its relevance to international peacekeeping and the implementation of the mandate." (M.G. Gauchat)
M.G. Gauchat served as Head of Mission and Chief of Staff from November 2021 to February 2026 after having served the Mission under several roles - Military Observer in the Golan (2000), Chief Liaison Officer in Egypt (2000), and Deputy COS (2011-2013).
As Head of Mission, during 2021-2026, he joined UNTSO when Lebanon had suffered deep economic collapse; the war in Gaza in 2023 escalated into broader clashes involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran; followed by the collapse of the Assad government in Syria in late 2024, and the 12‑day war in 2025 between Israel and Iran; all of this, causing significant logistics challenges for UNTSO and while navigating through the worst financial crisis the UN has ever faced.
While the region faced profound uncertainty, M.G. Gauchat brought a calm resolve, a disciplined sense of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the values of the United Nations. Under his leadership, UNTSO strengthened its operational effectiveness, deepened its engagement with partners, and stayed true to its mandate even in moments of great challenge.
