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 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.

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 was made an honorary member at the General Assembly of the Diplomatic Club of Geneva. This was followed by a meeting held in his honour, where he highlighted his agenda to enhance Geneva as a multilateral hub. He also thanked the Diplomatic Club for its role in…

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…

The Director-General met with ambassadors from the Association of Southeast Asian NationsASEAN) Committee, chaired by Mr. Dian Triansyah Djani, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia, to exchange views on the work of the Conference on Disarmament and United Nations-ASEAN…

The Director-General met with the President of Green Cross International, Mr. Alexander Likhotal, to discuss environmental challenges before the international community and ongoing collaboration with the United Nations, including preparation for the “Rio plus 20” Conference in 2012.

Corinne Momal-Vanian, the Director of the United Nations Information Service in Geneva, chaired the briefing which was also attended by Spokespersons for the Human Rights Council, the International Labour Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the Office for the Coordination of…