José Miguel Insulza

José Miguel Insulza was born in Santiago, Chile, on June 2, 1943. He is married to Georgina Nuñez and has three children.

He studied Law at the University of Chile. He completed graduate studies at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO),  and in Political Science at the University of Michigan.

Between 1969 and 1973 he was a Professor of  Political Science at the University of Chile, and of Political Theory at the Catholic University of Chile from 1969 to 1970.

From 1972 until 1973, José Miguel Insulza worked as a Political Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and as Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Chile.

From 1974 to 1980, he spent time in exile in Rome.

From 1981 to 1985, during his time in exile in Mexico, he was a Researcher at the Institute of American Studies at the Center of Research and Economic Teaching (CIDE). From 1985 onwards, he was the Director of that Institute. At the same time, he taught at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the Ibero-American University, and the Matías Romero Institute of Diplomatic Studies.

During the Administration of former President Patricio Aylwin, he was an Ambassador for International Cooperation, the Director of  Multilateral Economic Affairs, and Vice President of the International Cooperation Agency (AGCI).

On March 11, 1994, during the Administration of President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, José Miguel Insulza was named Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, until September 20 of that year, when he was named Minister of Foreign Affairs .

On June 22, 1999, he was designated Minister of the Presidency (Chief of Staff) under President Frei.

On March 11, 2000, during President Ricardo Lagos' Administration, he was named Minister of the Interior.

Source: Ministerio del Interior

Acceptance speech addressed by Minister Jose Miguel Insulza following election as Secretary General