| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 17, 2006 Under Secretary Josette Sheeran Shiner to Visit ItalyUnder Secretary of State Josette Sheeran Shiner will travel to Italy from May 18 to 21, 2006 to advance strategies on UN effectiveness and reform in the areas of development, humanitarian assistance, and the environment. Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner, who is on the UN high level panel on these issues, will attend a meeting in Rome on the role of the United Nations in helping countries transition from relief to development. This meeting is the fourth in a series of UN panel consultations. "The world needs an effective, credible, transparent United Nations to help lead multilateral efforts in humanitarian aid and development assistance," 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 restore the UN as an institution of trust. I look forward to working with my panel colleagues in accomplishing these goals." While in Rome, the Under Secretary will also discuss the role of innovation and competition in economic growth with Italian and American private sector leaders. "As the world becomes flat and competition from emerging nations grows, it is increasingly important that nations with mature economies, such as the United States and Italy, create a climate that fosters innovation so we remain competitive in the global marketplace," said Under Secretary Sheeran Shiner. "I look forward to a lively discussion on this issue with Italian business leaders." 2006/509
|
 | |||
|
