Leading the way to a sustainable future

“I believe that Rio+20 is one of the most important events of this decade. It is an event for the whole world; it is about tomorrow, about the future. And sustainable development should be our common future. History has given all of us an opportunity to make a difference. Let us do it, together,” says Sha Zukang, Secretary-General of Rio+20, in an exclusive interview. Read more

Putting spotlight on innovative governance

Over 600 participants are expected to attend the 2011 UN Public Service Day, Awards Ceremony and Forum on 20-23 June. With a focus on “Transformative Leadership in Public Administration and Innovation in Governance: Creating a Better Life for All”, the event will feature workshops, an exhibition and celebrate excellence in public service delivery. Read more

Call to turn indigenous rights to reality

”This forum can play a dynamic role in…helping indigenous peoples around the world achieve the self-determination they deserve. Your success can build momentum towards the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples planned for 2014,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the opening of the 10th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on 16 May. Read more

Technical reports

World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) mid-2011 update

The World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) as of mid-2011 was launched on 25 May and highlights that the recovery of the global economy remains intact but uneven, with strong output growth in developing countries and a weaker economic performance in developed countries. At the same time, new headwinds have emerged, such as upward pressure on inflation rates due to higher energy and food prices and continued appreciation pressure on emerging market currencies. Read more

Ms. Daniela Bas was appointed Director of DESA’s Division for Social Policy and Development on 9 May 2011. A politologist specialized in international politics, human rights and social development, Ms. Bas has most recently served as Senior Consultant designated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as expert on human rights to Institutes that operate internationally. She has also provided her expertise on anti-discrimination issues at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Ms. Bas has worked for close to 10 years for the UN as a Professional Officer in social development and human rights, traveling around the world on behalf of the UN and also as a speaker at international conventions. She has also held a number of other significant assignments including as Special Adviser on “Fundamental Rights” for the former Vice President of the European Commission; as the Italian representative designated by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers on the topic “Tourism for All” to the European Commission; and as journalist and broadcaster for Italian Radio and TV.

Ms. Bas is a Board Member of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights and of the Committee to Promote non-Armed and non-Violent Civil Defense of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. She graduated in Political Science in 1985, with a major in International Politics and wrote a dissertation on ”The elimination of architectural barriers and the employment of people with physical disabilities”.

The following staff members were promoted in May:

Ursula Germann, Programme Officer, Office of the Under-Secretary-General

Luis Collantes, Computer Information Systems Assistant, Division for Social Policy and Development

Goings

The following staff members retired in May:

Alexei Tikhomirov, Adviser, Division for Public Administration and Development Management