SUMMIT ON STAFF SECURITY TO BE HELD AT HEADQUARTERS, 11 DECEMBER
| Press Release Note No. 5839 |
Note to Correspondents
SUMMIT ON STAFF SECURITY TO BE HELD AT HEADQUARTERS, 11 DECEMBER
To address the security problems faced by United Nations and associated personnel around the world, the sixth annual Summit on Staff Security will take place on Thursday 11 December, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Conference Room 1 at Headquarters.
The meeting intends to draw attention to the continuing safety and security problems of United Nations staff members and humanitarian workers worldwide, and to discuss possible solutions. The theme for this year is “After Baghdad: UN Workers Under the Gun” and will focus on the new realities and challenges the United Nations faces in carrying out its mission. The Summit will address these new threats and the delicate balance staff face every day in carrying out their jobs while being at risk. Where the United Nations goes from here, in light of the concerns raised by the Ahtisaari report, will be explored. What went wrong with our security management system and the accountability of United Nations officials will also be examined.
The principal heads of United Nations bodies and the relevant United Nations departments dealing with these issues have been invited to participate and give presentations. The Summit will seek to increase the visibility of these issues for Member States and the public.
The meeting will have a plenary session followed by a panel discussion. The President of the General Assembly, Julian Robert Hunte (Saint Lucia) will deliver the opening keynote address. Speakers will include the President of the Security Council, Stefan Tafrov, (Bulgaria), the President of the Economic and Social Council, Gert Rosenthal, (Guatemala) and United Nations Staff Union President Rosemarie Waters.
The event is organized by the Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service and by the United Nations Staff Council. The past five summits highlighted the duty and commitment of governments to protect and defend United Nations and humanitarian workers performing their duties under hazardous field conditions.
* *** *