Director-General's remarks at the Graduation Ceremony for new UN Security Officers

Graduation Ceremony for new UN Security Officers
Friday, 11 April 2025 at 11.45 a.m.
Building B, Library event Room

Dear Colleagues and Guests,

I am pleased to be with you here today to mark the graduation of thirteen new Security Officers following their successful completion of the Security Officers Basic Induction Training Course.

The Officers being awarded their badges and diplomas today are joining a truly multinational Service, comprising personnel drawn from 25 different nationalities. Maintaining this multicultural, multinational, and gender-diverse composition is vitally important to the United Nations Office at Geneva. It reflects not only the diversity of the United Nations itself but also the world we serve.

I extend my sincere congratulations to the new Security Officers and to the staff involved in their training. I know that the challenges associated with conducting this training have been considerable, requiring meticulous planning to maintain the security of the Palais des Nations and the client premises.   I would therefore like to give special mention to the staff of the Training Unit for their dedication and professionalism.

The course, which began on the 3rd of March, ran for six weeks and covered five main instructional blocks, including premises security, security technology, emergency operations, and the use of force. These modules were specifically tailored to build upon the officers' pre-existing skills and adapt their knowledge to ensuring a safe and secure environment within United Nations premises.

As Director-General of UN Geneva, I am encouraged and reassured that the Security and Safety Service continues to strengthen its capabilities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that thousands of UN staff members, delegates, and visitors to the Palais des Nations receive the highest level of security and support. I am confident that, with a strong Security team and the close cooperation of our Host Country authorities here in Switzerland, we can continue to meet that responsibility. I would now like to say a few words directly to the members of the Security and Safety Service.

I am well aware of the challenges you face in the discharge of your duties, particularly as we navigate difficult financial times. The liquidity crisis currently facing the United Nations, and the resulting recruitment freeze, have made the task of strengthening and renewing our teams exceptionally difficult. The fact that we are celebrating your successful recruitment and induction today is therefore a significant achievement — and one that is testament to the Service’s perseverance and commitment to maintaining operational excellence despite these constraints.

On your shoulders rests the indispensable expectation that you will continue to ensure our staff and delegates can carry out their work in a calm and secure environment, every day. In wearing the UN blue uniform, you personify the United Nations to all who visit us here at the Palais des Nations, and at the premises of UN Agencies, Funds and Programs across Geneva where you serve. You are not only the first point of contact for our visitors, but also their first impression of the values and professionalism of the UN. Through your vigilance, expertise, and courtesy, you make it possible for the UN to remain a welcoming, safe, and productive place to work and engage.

As your careers progress at the UN, I am confident that your commitment will only deepen. In return, the Organization is committed to providing opportunities for your further professional development. The Security and Safety Service will continue, even under challenging financial circumstances, to find ways to retain its talented workforce and through that to strengthen gender balance and geographical diversity. The determination to do so will ensure continued operational flexibility, expanded training opportunities, and deployments to major UN external events and short-term field assignments with UNDSS.

At a time when there are multiple conflicts around the world, your commitment and service are more important than ever. You stand at the front line of our efforts to provide a safe, secure, and peaceful environment for those striving to resolve the conflicts that trouble our world.

Please know that UN Geneva is proud of your dedication, and that I, and all our colleagues deeply appreciate the invaluable work you do each day in enabling the Organization to achieve its goals.

Thank you very much.