Letter to staff from the Secretary-General, 1 October 2009

This week's blog post is being put aside to instead feature reports from inside the UN on Climate Change and General Assembly happenings. With this letter of thanks from the Secretary-General however, the Canadiun blog will resume next week to provide commentary on important happenings back in my home and native land.
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1 October 2009

Dear colleagues,

Thank you for your hard work and dedication during the opening weeks of the new General Assembly session. We are still in the early stages, but already many have observed that this was one of the most active and engaged openings in years. We saw leader after leader reaffirm the relevance of the United Nations and our work in tackling the many challenges before us.

The Climate Change Summit drew the world’s attention and has created solid movement towards sealing a deal at the UN conference in Copenhagen in December. The Security Council Summit, only the fifth ever and the first on disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, has likewise improved prospects for progress in a critical area.

As these and other events unfolded, on food security, health and other challenges, we also faced the surprises that typically accompany this annual gathering. Through it all, you performed with your usual flexibility and grace. I was truly moved to see the many ways in which you contributed to our common endeavour. You bring great honour to yourselves and the Organization.

There are many weeks to go, of course, with work in the committees about to commence. This being a budget year, we can expect many long hours as Member States negotiate the allocations for our next biennium. But I wanted to thank you right away for making the past weeks such a success. You have helped the world see the United Nations doing what it does best: bringing people and countries together; finding solutions to the big issues of the day; leading the way in promoting peace and positive change.

In the weeks ahead, we will all be focusing on the many challenges that were highlighted in recent days. And as the Capital Master Plan proceeds, I will be visiting many of you as we get settled in our new working environments. I also look forward to connecting with colleagues at other duty stations.

Thank you again for your support and for your abiding commitment to the purposes of our Charter.

With admiration and respect,

BAN Ki-moon