Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 16, 2006
Under Secretary Josette Sheeran Shiner to Visit France Under Secretary of State Josette Sheeran Shiner will travel to France from May 17-18, 2006 to advance strategies on UN effectiveness and reform in the areas of development, humanitarian assistance and the environment. She will meet with Director General Jean-Michel Severino of the French Development Agency and fellow member of a UN high level panel to discuss these issues. She and Severino will co-host a roundtable with French civil groups involved in humanitarian and development work.
"The United States and France both understand the need for a strong and effective United Nations as we face today’s global humanitarian, development and environmental challenges," said Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner. "I am especially interested in listening and learning from French nongovernmental agencies who deal in development issues as Director General Severino and I hold a roundtable on this critical issue."
While in France, the Under Secretary will also meet with International Energy Agency representatives to discuss global energy security.
"The world needs an effective, credible, transparent United Nations to help lead multinational efforts in these critical areas" said Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner. "While there is much good work already done, much more could be done to improve coherence and effectiveness. My goal on this panel is to make recommendations that would enhance the United Nations as an institution of trust. I look forward to working with Director General Severino and my Panel colleagues in accomplishing these goals."
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Released on May 16, 2006
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