Jordan's Prince Zeid al-Hussein Tapped as Next UN Human Rights Chief

FILE - Jordan's Ambassador to the United Nations, Prince Zeid Al-Hussein, addresses the U.N. Security Council.

Jordan's ambassador to the United Nations is set to replace Navi Pillay as the next U.N. high commissioner for human rights.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon informed the General Assembly Friday of his intent to nominate Prince Zeid al-Hussein.

The Jordanian has served previously as his nation's ambassador to the United Nations. He is also a former ambassador to the United States.

The prince holds a bachelor's degree from The Johns Hopkins University, and a Ph.D. from Cambridge University.

Pillay is due to step down September 1, after holding the office for six years.