Hans Blix Addresses UN Representatives of the Most Vulnerable Countries
UNITED NATIONS, MAY 07 - Today, Dr. Hans Blix, President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, met with the Permanent Representatives of the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS) to discuss partnership with the World Federation. The discussion was hosted by Anwal K. Chowdhury, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.
Dr. Blix is committed to a strong and effective United Nations to deal with global issues that affect us all, particularly the most vulnerable countries.
The World Federation of UN Associations is making efforts to establish a UN Association in all UN member states. There are now UN Associations in 102 states, but only in 31 of the 91 most vulnerable countries.
Dr. Blix considered that it is the people who are living in small island states, least developed and landlocked countries who are most vulnerable to the impact of many of the new global challenges that affect us all, whether the increase in the cost of commodity prices, the spread of HIV/AIDS, the effects of climate change or the dangers posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
In discussing the benefits that come from having a national UN Association, Dr. Blix emphasized the value of the role that UN Associations play in informing the public about how the United Nations and its Agencies function and how the United Nations itself is changing. People in UN Associations are usually knowledgeable about the potential usefulness of UN procedures for advancing particular interests, within the framework of the international rule of law. They can help to educate community organizations about the UN's development strategies and projects in their country or region, so that they are able to link more effectively with the UN's activities.
Established in 1946, the World Federation of UN Associations has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and formal relations with many UN Departments, Agencies and programs as well as the UN Global Compact. The highest decision-making body of the World Federation, the Plenary Assembly is held at least every 3 years to set the strategic policy direction and elect its officers and Executive Committee. Dr. Hans Blix was elected to be President of the organization at the 38th Plenary Assembly in Argentina in November of last year.
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