27 September 2000

The General Assembly started its consideration of the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the organization. The Secretary-General introduced the report in his statement to the General Assembly on 12 September at the beginning of General Debate. The report covers such subjects as achieving peace and security, meeting humanitarian commitments, cooperating for development, the international legal order and human rights and change management. The General Assembly heard statements by the representatives of Norway, Ireland, Colombia, Kuwait, Japan, Cyprus, Bhutan, Germany, Belarus, Ukraine, Ecuador, Croatia, China, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Peru, Senegal, Malaysia and Russian Federation.

During the afternoon meeting, the General Assembly continued its discussion of the report of the Secretary-General and heard statements by the representatives from Egypt, Philippines, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Nepal, Chile, Italy, Libya, Cameroon, Bahrain, India, Tunisia, Slovenia, Cuba, Belgium and Israel.

During her meeting with the President, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland briefed the President on preparations for a convention against the use of tobacco. Negotiations on this will start in October in Geneva. Environmental and health issues were among the topics discussed during their meeting. A photograph of their meeting can be viewed on the "Photos" page.

Mr. Holkeri met with the Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Ms. Noeleen Heyzer. They discussed the current situation of women and Mr. Holkeri congratulated Ms. Heyzer for her good work for UNIFEM and for giving a new vision to the organization. A photograph of their meeting can be viewed on the "Photos" page.

Mr. Holkeri participated in a luncheon hosted by the Dag Hammarskjold Memorial Scholarship Fund of the United Nations Correspondents Association. The Scholarship Fund sponsors three or four journalists from developing countries to attend the General Assembly session and cover it for their media.

Mr. Holkeri also met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Mary Robinson. Among the topics discussed during their meeting were the preparations for the World Conference against Racism. Ms. Robinson also briefed the President about the Vision Declaration for tolerance and diversity, which has now been signed by over 50 Heads of State or Government.