18 December 2006
The Role of the Secretary-General on the Eve of Change
This seminar aims to discuss the role and the functions of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to review these functions in light of the evolving nature of the UN system and of international relations and to discuss how these functions may develop over time.
A first session will analyze the role of the Secretary-General as mediator within the United Nations system as well as in worldwide diplomacy. This session will first examine the relationship of the Secretary-General with principal decision-making bodies within the United Nations system. In this respect the relationship between the Secretary - General and the Security Council and the Secretary-General and the General Assembly will be highlighted from different perspectives, including those from Member States, UN senior staff and academia. This session will also examine the role of the Secretary-General as mediator in worldwide diplomacy as well as in addressing problems of global concern. In this regard, the responsibilities of leading an increasingly operational organization will be highlighted through presentations by Special Representatives of the Secretary-General in the field. The opportunities and limits attached to the role of the Secretary-General in the approach to problems of a global nature will be illustrated through further presentations by Special Representatives and Envoys.
A second session will focus on the role of the Secretary-General in his role as manager of the United Nations. This session will in a first part address the status and remaining challenges of UN reform. A second part will illustrate issues at stake in the relationship with civil society and the private sector.
A third session will be organized around an open conversation with a preeminent personality who has worked closely with the Secretary-General, during which participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. This last session will conclude with a vision for the way forward presented by a well-known UN expert.
The seminar will consist of three sessions, held on Monday, 18 December (full day) and Tuesday, 19 December (half day) 2006. The seminar will include a series of presentations and a conversation with a preeminent personality who has worked closely with the Secretary-General. It will be held in English only.
The seminar is intended for all delegates accredited to the United Nations, as well as for UN staff and interested individuals from outside the UN. The selected participants are requested to view their participation as a firm commitment.
