The Director-General met with Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala, President of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs and member of the Advisory Board of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces to discuss issues related to disarmament and the global security environment.

Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women and Under-Secretary-General, in opening remarks said that the agency was a new institution for ensuring women’s rights and women’s empowerment. While the agency would be addressing various aspects of women’s rights around the world and advocating…

The Director-General attended the Geneva Opera Pool today and in his remarks at the Grand Théâtre, noted the timeliness of the opera “The Love of the Three Oranges”, and its vision of a world where solutions to complex problems can be found only through common efforts. The Director-General…

La Commission d'enquête internationale indépendante sur la Côte d'Ivoire* chargée d'enquêter sur les faits et les circonstances relatifs aux allégations de violations graves des droits de l'homme en Côte d'Ivoire à la suite de l'élection présidentielle du 28 novembre 2010, a soumis son rapport…

Corinne Momal-Vanian, the Director of the United Nations Information Service in Geneva, chaired the briefing which was also attended by Spokespersons for and Representatives of the Human Rights Council, the World Health Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the…

The Director-General attended a reception to celebrate the National Day of the Russian Federation, hosted by Ambassador Valery Loshchinin, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, and shared his congratulations on this occasion.

A meeting with the Director of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), Ambassador Dr. Theodor H. Winkler, and other personnel was held today with the Director-General. Among other issues, the collaboration, including with respect to the annual seminar organized by…

The Director-General attended a meeting held in his honour and hosted by the Rector of the University of Geneva, Mr. Jean-Dominique Vassalli, at which he highlighted how the research, analysis and practical skills of universities can enhance the work of the United Nations.

The Director-General visited Emergency Relief Coordination Centre and was briefed on the work of OCHA responding to humanitarian crises worldwide. The Centre provides for close collaboration between internal and external actors involved in major relief coordination efforts.

The Director-General met with Mr. Antoine Marguier, the Artistic Director of the United Nations Orchestra as well as the President and Vice-President, to discuss the activities of the Orchestra in Geneva. He noted that music is a powerful tool to facilitate dialogue and ensure better…