Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the death of Philippe de Seynes

Mr. de Seynes, a French national, headed the economic and social department of the United Nations Secretariat for twenty years, as Under-Secretary for Economic and Social Affairs from 1955-1968, and Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs from 1968-1975. Mr. de Seynes was an intellectual giant and pioneer in his field. He shaped the way the United Nations was to function in the economic and social sphere for several decades to come. Many of the current organization in the United Nations originated under him, such as UNCTAD, UNEP, UNFPA, UNIDO and the regional commissions. Under his stewardship the UN initiated a series of Development Decades, the unified approach to development and the advancement of women programme.

Mr. de Seynes was a humanist and a true prototype of the international civil servant. His steadfast and deep commitment to the ideals of the United Nations, intellect, singular talent for public speaking and charisma won him many friends and admirers throughout the United Nations. He leaves a legacy of light and warmth among all who knew and worked with him.