UN-Links Meeting

Ladies and Gentlemen
Dear Colleagues:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations for the annual meeting of the UN Library and Information Network for Knowledge Sharing, or UN-LINKS. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the libraries of the International Labour Organization, the International Trade Centre and the World Intellectual Property Organization for co-hosting this meeting and demonstrating UN collaboration at its best.

As you may know, Geneva is home to over 35 UN entities, as well as to many academic and research institutions, non-governmental organizations and well-represented diplomatic and private sector communities.

The presence and engagement of these many stakeholders makes Geneva a hub not only for multilateralism, but for information as well.

What is more, the UNOG Library, including its League of Nations Museum and Archives, has become one of the greatest resources of International Geneva. It serves as a link with the past, playing a unique role in helping the world remember, and learn from, the efforts of the United Nations and the League of Nations. It also serves as a link with the future; acting as a modern centre of information management, with results-oriented, efficient and accountable information services.

This is the reason why it is fitting that we host this meeting of UN-LINKS here in Geneva and at the Palais des Nations. Where better to discuss issues of common concern, share best practices and chart a strategic way forward for libraries and information management entities of the UN system and associated organizations?

Today, we are surrounded by a rapidly-evolving information landscape. It is clear that the Internet has cemented its position as a key research tool. Ease, speed and seamless access to information draw researchers into the digitized world. The challenge - which you will address in the next few days - is how information and library services and products remain relevant in this changing landscape.

Getting ahead of the curve requires commitment and communication. This UN-LINKS meeting provides an excellent opportunity to transform library services and products for future generations. It also encourages the development of forward-thinking information management for the United Nations and for our clients.

I hope you enjoy your exchanges here and wish you a fruitful and productive meeting.

Thank you very much.