| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC April 5, 2006 Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner to Represent United States on UN Reform PanelUnder Secretary of State Josette Sheeran Shiner will represent the United States on the United Nations’ High Level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence in the Areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance and the Environment. The first meeting of the High Level Panel will take place in New York, April 4-6, and will be followed by a UN System Chief Executives Board meeting in Segovia, Spain, from 7-8 April, 2006, to be hosted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner will participate in both UN events, as well as conduct bilateral discussions with the government of Spain. "This new UN reform effort represents an historic opportunity for the international community to make changes that will greatly enhance the ability of the UN system to quickly respond to humanitarian relief needs and improve the effectiveness of every dollar spent on development assistance," said Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner. "I’m very aware that our efforts this week can make a real difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable citizens, helping them attain their goal of being able to raise their family out of poverty," said Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner. "To accomplish this will require thinking outside conventional models and beyond half-measures to create reforms," she added. "I am looking forward to helping the UN development organizations become more transparent and oriented towards activities that will bring real development results." For information on U.S. contributions to development and humanitarian assistance, please go to www.usaid.gov; www.mcc.gov; www.state.gov/g/prm and www.state.gov/s/gac. 2006/341
|
 | |||
|
