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IamA Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (self.IAmA)

submitted by UNSpokesman

I am Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Every day I brief journalists from around the world. I answer questions for a living. Please go ahead and ask me anything about the United Nations and my job.

My Proof:

http://imgur.com/rW0qB0d

Twitter account: https://twitter.com/UN_Spokesperson/status/527158434505195520

I have to go. Thanks for the questions as I've enjoyed my first AMA. I promise to do this again in the near future. In the meantime, you can watch the daily briefing at noon (ish) Monday through Friday by going to webtv.un.org. Cheers!

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[–]Thereminz 5 points6 points  (1 child)

what's the strangest thing you've seen in your travels around the world?...the coolest?

if we found a signal from an alien planet, what would the UN do?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

We have an office in Vienna that focuses on Outer Space Affairs. They are ready! The coolest thing I've done was in 2005 when I flew on a Jordanian Army helicopter that took off from the helipad next to the Israel's Knesset in Jerusalem to take us to Ramallah. It was brief vision of what peace could look like.

[–]Error404- 3 points4 points  (1 child)

How many languages do you speak fluently in?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

English and French fluently. I can survive in Italian to speak to my in-laws and I can utter five words in ten other languages.

[–]MasterMachiavel 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Does the world need national solutions to global problems or more reliance on international institutions and One World government?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The major problems we face today are issues that do not recognize national borders. We need global solutions for global problems. The nations that make up the United Nations need to work constructively to solve these problems together.

[–]drake0727 2 points3 points  (1 child)

How long have you been doing your job? Do you get to travel a lot for your profession?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I've been in this current position since March of this year. Yes, I get to travel a lot in this job!

[–]Naenil 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Do you think russia and china attitude is making U.N inefficient as in the cold war?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

The Secretary-General has often said that the Security Council is at its most effective when all of its members, especially the permanent members, work in unity.

[–]Naenil 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Merci pour votre réponse - Thank you for your reply

Follow up question: Do you think if there is a major conflict between greats powers, that UN can do anything (By that I mean: Better than nation's league)

[–]ahgalsg 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of all the world situations, will the UN be able to solve all problems well or in a compromised manner or settle most issues and still leave some others unresolved for many, many years?

[–]Zoogles 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What're your thoughts on the recent Israel attack on Gaza and the destruction on UN schools and killing of hundreds of infants? What actions is the UN taking to prevent future tragedies like this from happening?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The Secretary-General is working hard to find a peaceful solution to the conflict so that we don't see children, Palestinians or Israelis, be victims ever again.

[–]escherbach 2 points3 points  (6 children)

Which country is the best?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 4 points5 points  (5 children)

Where are you from?

[–]feddee 3 points4 points  (2 children)

The Netherlands, ofcourse!

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Then you already know the answer! ;)

[–]Thereminz 3 points4 points  (0 children)

'MURICA! #1

[–]coniform 1 point2 points  (3 children)

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 9 points10 points  (2 children)

Doing Reddit AMAs!

[–]coniform 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Oh? Then we'd be glad to have you return!

Is there a post office inside the UN where you can send a postcard from? Would it be considered international mail? If so, could you send something to reddit headquarters from the UN? That would be awesome.

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

post

yes, there is a UN Postal Administration. Would be happy to send you a post card.

[–]Sheriff_mansoor 1 point2 points  (1 child)

How does the world need to deal with this disease called ISIS?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There's a need to deal with terrorists through police and military action, within the bounds of international human rights law. However, to deal with terrorism, you need to address issues of poverty, development, governance and inequality.

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have to go. Thanks for the questions as I've enjoyed my first AMA. I promise to do this again in the near future. In the meantime, you can watch the daily briefing at noon (ish) Monday through Friday by going to webtv.un.org. Cheers!

[–]escherbach 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Hi Stephane, why do so many israelis think that the UN is against them?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

Solving the on-going crisis between Israel and Palestine is a focus of a lot of the UN's work. People on both sides need to understand that the only way to solve the problems is for leaders to sit down and talk directly in a spirit of compromise. The SG strongly supports the Israeli people and their right to live free of fear as part of a two-state solution that will see Israel and Palestine living in peace and security, side-by-side.

[–]JennaAlyse 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Okay, I won't troll you, I promise. But please answer this one other question: Why is Israel's right to live free of fear mentioned specifically here? Yes, yes. We know Israel's paranoia about living in peace should be treated with "gloves on," given an unfathomably, utterly ineffable history of bigotry and racism towards the Jewish people.

But unless you're Jewish and therefore raised in an environment of anti-semitic paranoia, most people would have the capability to distance themself from this protracted conflict enough to realize Protective Edge and Cast Lead were horrific human rights violations against an already disenfranchised, caged, and [in WB] landlocked people.

Don't you feel like it's time to change your rhetoric, and acknowledge the plight of the Palestinian People? And don't you ever consider if you DO NOT do this, the UN will further tarnish its reputation as a neo-colonial power, only vested in protecting the rights of "western" nations, and economic superpowers?

Full disclosure: I'm a white, American chick, minister's daughter, New England raised. I'm writing my thesis on Art History. I'm lucky enough to have an education that allows be to be an informed US citizen, but I'm NOT ideologically vested in this because of race or religion. It's just such a clear injustice, I don't understand how you justify even the current rhetoric you employ here.

The least you could do in working towards a lasting peace in the Middle East is shift your semantics, and acknowledge the horrific violations of human rights in Palestine- or no?

[–]The_Sultan_of_Swing 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Too bad you didn't get a response.

The way I see it though is that no matter what approach you take to the Israel-Palestine thing, you're wrong. The whole thing is just so fucked up and convoluted that there's no longer an ideal way to settle this without someone being royally pissed.

[–]eggplantkiller 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Hi Stephane, thanks for doing this AMA. I'm wondering if your lateness to the briefings is intentional. The previous spokesperson, Martin Nesirky, was sometimes 2-3 minutes late, whereas you're usually about 10 minutes late. Reasoning?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 3 points4 points  (3 children)

Sounds to me like you are a journalist at the UN. You can ask me anything everyday. Right now I will focus on those outside of the UN building.

[–]eggplantkiller 1 point2 points  (1 child)

:)

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I look forward to seeing you at my next noonish briefing.

[–]silvermang7 1 point2 points  (2 children)

What would you say is the most challenging situation currently facing the UN and why? And to build on that, what is the most challenging aspect of your job?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

We are currently facing an unprecedented number of challenges: climate change, terrorism, ebola, gender inequality, etc...However, we have the resources and the know-how to face these challenges. They all demand global solutions.

[–]Prophet_of_vengeance 1 point2 points  (0 children)

how much time does the UN need to accomplish these challenges? 100years?

[–]coniform 0 points1 point  (1 child)

What role do you think the UN should play in terms of managing future climate change?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

facing up to the challenges of climate change has been a top priority for SG Ban Ki-moon. The UN brings together member states, scientists, civil society and the private sector to work together to find a more sustainable way for us to face the future.

[–]feddee 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Why did you choose to become a spokesman?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Because I never met a microphone I did not like! It's also an immense privilege to be able to do the job I do.

[–]Y3nisei 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Mr. Dujarric Thank you very much for holding this session. May I ask you...What do you think about the power of veto? Do you think its limits should be defined within the UN Charter? Many Thanks

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a very important question but one that needs to be agreed upon by the Member States of the United Nations themselves.

[–]eyeforeigneyeY 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Can you comment on ongoing crackdown on whiselblowers and journalist we see throughout the world?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

The Secretary-General has often spoken out in defense of journalists and their right to work free of harassment.

[–]eyeforeigneyeY 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What steps did UN take (or plans to take) to make it a real?!

[–]Error404- 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Does one need to know more than one language to become a part of the UN staff?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's not a requirement but it definitely helps.

[–]JennaAlyse 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Although I'm not expecting any details here, I am really curious about how candidly the US diplomat Samantha Powers discusses her opinion about her role in the UN- a lot of people have already asked you about Israel and Palestine, but as an ambassador with a background in human rights journalism and diplomacy in the Middle East, does she ever express disdain towards representing a country that is clearly only operating on religious ideology/increasing islamaphobia in the United States? She built her entire career on disseminating information that would lead towards lasting peace as well as educating the public on an issue that is consistently misrepresented in the media. And now her name will pretty much be associated with this:

http://www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/media/twitter_cropped.jpg

I know this is sort of unfair to ask YOU and not HER, but I think it's safe to assume you've had discussions with Powers, seeing as you represent the UN secretary general. I know being an ambassador is about representing a country/the foreign policy opinions of you national government- but please, give me some insight here! Anything! Is there ever any shame when she has to vote in such a way that is clearly morally corrupt? (ok, not "clearly," but I would deduce from her career she would believe it is).

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You are right, it's not a question for me to answer! I would refer you back to her public remarks at the UN. Most of which can be found at webtv.un.org. Maybe you can also convince her to do an AMA!

[–]JennaAlyse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, obviously I was fishing for something a bit less official... which obviously, as a rep. you wouldn't do.

But how about this, much more general question:

How often do see UN ambassadors disclose (even subliminally) a little bit of their personal opinion/bias, in this international setting? Have you ever seen someone grimace when they vote? haha.. I mean, do you ever notice facial expressions, or muttering, or any of that type of this? (I know you're all diplomats--- but c'mon, we're all human). Just asking for your personal experience :).

[–]sanju1985 0 points1 point  (1 child)

UN Security Council doesn't represent reality as India which has the 2nd largest population isn't a member yet.But countries like France are.Why isn't the UN not initiating any expansion when all the countries have supported India?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The reform of the Security Council is often discussed here. There are currently discussions on-going about the reform and possible expansion of the Security Council. This is a decision that belongs to the Member States and not the Secretary-General.

[–]Nina908 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This may sound like a very boring question, but what do you consider a typical work week? What type of things do you have to do on a regular bases, as well has there ever been a question too hard for you to answer?

[–]BlindWillieJohnson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for doing this AMA. The UN is an important organization and I'm glad to see you here answering questions that anyone might have of it. My question is threefold.

  • What can the United Nations and the Secretary General do to bolster the authority of the International Court of Justice and what steps should be taken to help insure that nations abide by its rulings?
  • What do you see as the main challenges facing the International Criminal Court, and if you can answer this, what ongoing situations deserve its attention.
  • Given that the system used to determine the permanent UNSC members is fairly antiquated, would the UN every consider reforming the membership or allotting more authority to non-permanent members?

[–]YesWeCannabis32 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good Day Stephane, i just have one question. With your knowledge, would you say we are closer to world peace or are we closer to another world war?

[–]cayal3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How does it feel to work for someone who sounds like he should be on the Jedi Council, rather than the UN council?

[–]jelenavoo -1 points0 points  (2 children)

Hi Stephane, on scale from 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy doing UN daily press briefings?

[–]UNSpokesman[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

My amp goes to 11 when I do the briefings!

[–]jelenavoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to hear. For what it's worth, it shows, and it's a pleasure to watch someone enjoying their job :)