15 April 2007

In a welcome initiative, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon held a town hall-style meeting open to staff at U.N. Headquarters and around the world. They had the opportunity to ask questions and he had an opportunity to hear them first hand. The general impression was that such open dialogue between the leader and members of the same organization strengthens everyone's ability to deliver and boosts morale.

Marking his first three months in office, the Secretary-General told staff that he has been "profoundly moved" by their professionalism and commitment, his spokesperson said.

Mr. Ban took questions from staff attending the meeting in New York and from others around the world who were participating via videoconference, and told them he is asking his senior managers to identify their priorities and goals in a measurable way, and that he is also working to strengthen the Management Performance Board.

In remarks to the press after the meeting, Mr. Ban described the discussions as very useful, rewarding and candid, as he promised to have "closer dialogue" with UN staff in the future. He also highlighted the issue of staff mobility and how this can help ensure more professionalism in the organization.

"As far as mobility is concerned, this is a decision by the Member States that the Member States had taken in 2002. And from May 2007 this year, this first phase of mobility should be implemented. I know that there are certain areas of concern, but while promoting this mobility, I will try to ensure that we need to have a strengthened career development, training, and other issues," Mr. Ban said.

"I think that through mobility, when in place, we can ensure more efficient, and more multitasked and versatile staff, and more professionalism."