André Adam


André Adam was a Belgian diplomat. His postings during his lengthy diplomatic career included Consul General of Belgium in Los Angeles, Ambassador to Algeria, Ambassador to Zaire, Ambassador to the United States, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He was killed in a terrorist bombing at Brussels-National airport in Zaventem on 22 March 2016.

Early life and education

Adam was born in Brussels. He attended the Free University of Brussels receiving degrees in political and diplomatic science and public administration.

Diplomatic career

After a short stint as a research assistant at the Free University of Brussels, Adam entered the foreign service in 1962 and was posted in Havana, where he met his wife, Danielle, after which he served in Paris, Kinshasa, and London. In 1979, he became chief of staff to Henri Simonet, then the Belgian foreign minister.
He later served as the Belgian Consul General in Los Angeles from 1982 till 1986, Belgium's Ambassador to Algeria and Zaire, and as Ambassador to the United States from 1994 till 1998. He presented his credentials to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in 1998, holding office as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
Adams also served as the Director General of Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1991 until 1994.

Later life and death

Adam retired from the diplomatic service in 2001. He was killed at Brussels Airport during coordinated terrorist bombings at two locations in Brussels on 22 March 2016. He died while shielding his wife. The two were set to travel to the United States.

Offices held