It is with great regret that I have accepted the resignation of Under-Secretary-General for Management, Christopher Burnham.

Chris has been a driving force in the management reform efforts over the past eighteen months, including the creation of the first-ever Ethics Office in the United Nations, rewriting the UN whistleblower protection policy, devising stronger financial disclosure requirements, the creation of the first Consolidated Report of the United Nations, the adoption of new international accounting standards and the reform and modernization of the UN's procurement service.

Soon after his departure on November 15th, he will be returning to the private sector after more than five and a half years of public service, both at the UN and previously with the US State Department.

His strong leadership will be missed at the United Nations.

New York, 26 October 2006