Remarks to the Association of Correspondents Accredited to the United Nations (ACANU)

Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
Dear Friends:

It is a great pleasure for me to be with you. As I was not able to join you at last year’s celebration, I appreciate even more being here this evening. And being allowed to address you – without being questioned in return – is a special Christmas treat!

The international press corps at the United Nations is an important link with the people that we serve. You are their ears and eyes here at the Palais des Nations. Your reporting raises awareness of the scope of the activities of the United Nations. Your stories enable people to evaluate our efforts and the commitment of their Member States. We, at the United Nations Office at Geneva, appreciate our good working relations with you, and in that context, I look forward to my meeting next week with the Bureau of ACANU.
Covering the work of the United Nations in Geneva is challenging. The topics discussed are diverse, and often of a detailed, specialized nature – ranging from humanitarian action, health, labour, environment and human rights to disarmament, disaster reduction, climate change and telecommunication – to mention just a few examples. Working-group meetings, discussions of additional protocols to international agreements, sub-commissions and committees do not easily capture the imagination of the public. And sometimes – when you have a look at the meetings in progress – it appears that they may not even capture the full attention of those engaged in the discussions!

I understand that you have concerns about the communication policies of some members of the United Nations family in Geneva. This is a very important issue that I am ready to discuss with you when we meet next week in my office.

Accurate, clear, independent, objective and timely reporting of what happens here is vitally important. It requires patience and tenacity to obtain a full understanding of what is being discussed – and it takes talent to communicate it so that the general public may understand it. I know that you have all of these skills because I read and see your work in media across the world. As you can see, you not only keep a keen eye on the United Nations, we also follow your reports with interest and appreciation!

It is very appropriate that you have come together on International Human Rights Day. Freedom of expression and opinion is an inherent human right that we have all acquired through the efforts of the United Nations. A dynamic, incisive and – sometimes – critical press is a demonstration of that right “in action”. Open communication is the very foundation of a well-functioning democratic society and an indispensable condition for economic and social progress. And your efforts contribute to making that foundation even more secure every day.

Thank you again for the invitation to be with you. I wish you a most enjoyable end-of-year celebration and much success in your important endeavours over the coming year.