Opening remarks by H.E. Mr Mogens Lykketoft, President of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at Informal meeting on ways and means to further enhance the cooperation between Permanent Missions and the Secretariat
15 March 2016
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, ladies and gentlemen, good morning to you all.
I convene this meeting today for an informal exchange on ways and means to further enhance the cooperation between Permanent Missions and the UN Secretariat.
By resolution 69/321 of 11 September on the “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Assembly “invited the President of the General Assembly at its seventieth session to conduct an informal meeting on this subject to consider ways and means to further enhance the cooperation between permanent missions and the Secretariat and to transmit a summary of the meeting to the Secretary-General”.
Today, therefore we have an opportunity to share views in an open and frank manner on ways to improve the quality of the working environment at the UN Headquarters.
As I have mentioned previously, Revitalization of the Work of General Assembly is a priority for me this session, as it has been for my predecessors.
For my part, in accordance with resolution 69/321, I endeavour to meet periodically with the Presidents of the principal organs and the Secretary-General – an indeed I did just yesterday – to ensure increased cooperation, coordination and exchange of information.
I have also invited the representatives from the various departments of the UN so that they may hear your views first-hand and respond to comments and queries.
I look forward to your usual active participation and valuable contribution in today’s meeting and I now open the floor for questions and answers with the Secretariat. Thank you.