Following his November 2003 visit to Bolivia and further to a request from the Bolivian Government for assistance, the Secretary-General has asked José Antonio Ocampo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, to serve as the focal point for the UN system in its efforts to mobilize international assistance for Bolivia.

To fulfil that task, Mr. Ocampo will travel to Bolivia to review the situation and report back to the Secretary-General. He will hold discussions with the Government and key national actors, as well as international organizations and institutions. Mr. Ocampo is expected to conduct his first mission on 16-18 March.