It is a privilege for me to head the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). As the international community faces a new constellation of threats and challenges, the need for a strong and determined United Nations has never been greater. No one country or one institution, can effectively address such an unprecedented range and complexity of challenges. These challenges call for inclusive partnerships with all stakeholders – Governments, international organizations, civil society and the business community – and UNOG plays an important role in facilitating these joint efforts.

Achieving the objectives of the United Nations Millennium Declaration, adopted by world leaders at the Millennium Summit, and realizing the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals that spring from it, is a central task for the entire United Nations family. As a dynamic centre for multilateral diplomacy, providing infrastructure and support to the on-going negotiation of international agreements, UNOG contributes to making the common vision for a better world encapsulated in the United Nations Millennium Declaration a reality.

By facilitating cooperation with civil society, with regional organizations and with the members of the United Nations family present in Geneva, UNOG contributes actively to building the partnerships necessary to turn promises into practical improvements in peoples’ lives across the world.

As a platform for an on-going exchange among cultures, UNOG helps build greater understanding and respect among peoples. As Director-General, I strive to strengthen the constructive contributions that UNOG makes towards building a more stable, secure and prosperous world. The most important participants in our work, however, are you, the people that we serve. The United Nations is your organization. We draw inspiration and strength from your support.

I hope, therefore, that you will explore this site and get to know UNOG and our work in the service of the peoples of the world.