The United Nations Office in Geneva released today its annual report on the activities carried out by the UN largest European office in 2011 to contribute to the Organization’s efforts to meet global challenges. In his introduction, the Director-General stressed the “powerful transformations” which marked 2011 and the “inescapable need for the international community to meet these challenges together”. The report shows how the staff of UNOG worked quietly behind the scenes in support of these multilateral efforts.

Among the highlights of 2011, the report draws particular attention to the Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention, held at the end of the year, which adopted a series of measures to strengthen the Convention. The report also mentions the communication efforts undertaken to convey the lessons of history on to the next generation and recalls the annual Holocaust memorial event as well as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda. It further describes UNOG’s support to the United Nations action in the field, and how the Office “enables the enablers” by providing essential services. Special sections focus on efforts to promote sustainability and greening operations at UNOG, as well as on the Strategic Heritage Plan for the protection of the legacy of the Palais des Nations and its renovation.

Some interesting figures are provided: in 2011, 1,550 staff members, representing 118 nationalities, were working at UNOG and 9,528 employees were working for the UN system in Geneva. Diplomats of 184 permanent missions, permanent observer missions and permanent observer offices are accredited to UNOG. The report also indicates that the Palais des Nations received 97,192 visitors last year.

In 2011, 230 journalists were accredited to UNOG; 248 press conferences were held at the Palais des Nations; 1,584 press releases and meeting records were published. The UNOG website was viewed 1,156,466 times. 369,610 library and archive information resources were consulted either in person at the UNOG Library or by users online.

UNOG held or serviced an impressive 9,962 meetings and translated 232,533 pages. In addition, 59 offices, departments and other entities received administrative and other support services from UNOG.
99 cultural events were organized to promote the heritage and culture of more than 110 Member States, conveying key messages about the work of the United Nations around the world.


For use of the information media; not an official record

M12/014E