15 February 2006

• A forum on Forests will open at U.N. headquarters starting mid-February. No Robin Hoods. Just the usual staff with the usual stuff.

• A seminar on Mountains is expected soon, though no one seems certain of the dates.

• Outsourcing of U.N. work to private firms is expected to raise many questions -- and objections from staff representatives who are still seeking to find out what the actual plans are.