MOGADISHU, March 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed George Conway of Canada as acting deputy special representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

UNSOM said in a statement on Saturday that Conway succeeds Peter de Clercq of the Netherlands, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedication and outstanding service in Somalia.

The 49-year-old Conway holds two Master of Arts degrees, from the Carleton University and the University of Western Ontario, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg.

The Canadian brings a wealth of experience and has many years of distinguished service within the United Nations system, having served in various positions in South Sudan, according to the statement.