Riyad H. Mansour is a seasoned Palestinian diplomat who has been serving as the Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations since 2005. Born on May 21, 1947, in Palestine, Mansour has dedicated his career to advancing Palestinian interests in international diplomacy and representation in international forums. Prior to his appointment as Permanent Observer, he held the position of Deputy Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations from 1983 to 1994, gaining extensive experience in multilateral negotiations. In 2005, he was appointed by Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to succeed Nasser al-Qudwa.

During Mansour's tenure, a pivotal achievement occurred on November 29, 2012, when the UN General Assembly voted to upgrade the status of the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine from an 'entity' to a 'non-Member Observer State,' marking a significant step toward greater international recognition of Palestinian statehood and enhancing Palestine's participation in UN activities. Mansour has been instrumental in delivering speeches, engaging in debates, and pushing resolutions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, human rights, and self-determination for the Palestinian people.

As a key figure in Palestinian diplomacy, Mansour's work reflects the broader struggles and aspirations of the Palestinian cause on the global stage. His long-standing role at the UN underscores his commitment to peaceful resolution and international law, navigating complex geopolitical dynamics to amplify Palestine's voice amid ongoing challenges.