UNOG AND CERN SIGN FIRST-EVER COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and Prof. Rolf Heuer, Director-General of the European Organization for Nuclear Research, better known as CERN, today signed the first-ever cooperation agreement between the two organizations.

The agreement will allow for greater exchange of information and experience between the two organizations for the benefit of their Member States. Potential areas for intensified cooperation include promotion of models of peaceful cooperation through science, education and training, sharing of IT applications, preservation of data and support on business continuity.

The agreement is part of an effort by both organizations to build innovative partnerships that can increase efficiency and effectiveness in their activities. It is also an example of the potential for greater collaboration among the international organizations in “International Geneva” to deliver more with what we have.

“This agreement represents an important step forward in the relationship between the United Nations and CERN”, UNOG Director-General Tokayev said at the signing. “Not only will it enable greater practical cooperation, but most importantly, it is a recognition of the potential for innovation by bringing together the communities of science and of international affairs. Partnerships of this type are indispensable in meeting today’s global challenges”, he concluded.

“CERN is often referred to as a kind of United Nations of science, and for good reason”, said CERN Director General Rolf Heuer. “It therefore makes good sense to sign this agreement, which will bring CERN and UNOG closer together in key areas such as international cooperation, education and information technology”.


For use of the information media; not an official record

DG11/005E