Secretary-General, in Video Message, Marks Hospitality Committee’s Sixtieth Anniversary, Praising Its Hands-On Approach Welcoming Delegates

Following is the text of UN Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑moon’s video message for the sixtieth anniversary of the Hospitality Committee for United Nations Delegations, in New York today:

Congratulations to the Hospitality Committee of the United Nations Delegations on your sixtieth anniversary.  I send you my personal thanks for the Committee’s important work to welcome new delegates and their families to New York City.

On two occasions, both as a junior and a senior diplomat, I myself benefited from the kind hospitality rendered by the Hospitality Committee.  Your warm welcome and support helped me and my family members to appreciate the culture and diversity of this great host country and city.

The Committee’s hands-on approach has eased the transition for countless people to settle into this extraordinarily complex city.  The United Nations is grateful to the dedicated Committee members and we hope your valuable efforts will continue long into the future.

Thank you.