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Interview with

Michael

e er

Director-General, United Nations Headquarters in Geneva

When Michael Moner was asked to assume the post as interim Director-General of the United Na-
tions Office at Geneva, it was initially thought to be for a few months. He did such an outstanding

job that, when the interim period was close to an end, members of the diplomatic corps in Geneva
had already sent many letters to the United Nations Secretary-General in New York, requesting
that Mr Moner be appointed the next Director-General. Since then, the Director-General has been
working hard to put Geneva back on the international scene. During his tenure we have seen a
number of peace talks taking place here, key negotiations with global implications, and, more lo-
cally, several events linking locals and "internationals" either on the UN premises or in other places

in the city, activities showing a new and dynamic United Nations. One of his numerous initiatives is
the Gender Champions Initiative, putting gender issues back on the agenda.

"You rteed In recognition of his outstanding work, he was awarded the Geneva Foun-
dation Prize earlier this year, and this is only one of many distinctions he
has received so far.
social cohesion

We were curious to hear Mr Moller's own impressions and visions, espe-
if you want cially since he was asked by the new Secretary-General to continue in his
job at least another year. We went knocking on his door, and now we will
to have a bgbleiabt give the floor to Mr Moller.

Like we have Q: First of ail Iwould like to conveymy cotxgratulahonsforLe Prix20l7

de(a Fondatiotxpour Gerxevefor your outstargdirigwork promotitxg'Ttt-
ternational Geneva". So, let me start by asking you, what is it that has
workirtg to its
madea Datxesofond of Geneva?

The link between Denmark and Geneva is not immediately apparent, but,
max:imum." when you look at the Swiss, the Danes and the Nordics in general, we have
a shared value system. We look at the world in very similar ways and have
very similar levels of development in our societies. So, there is some affin-
ity there, and it also means that one feels comfortable.
The second thing is that I have lived here several times. I started my career
here, I have lots of friends here, so, I feel at home. It's one of my homes, if
you will.
'Ihis is connected to International Geneva and my promoting it much more
than simply Geneva being the operational hub of the international system.

The point is the "ecosystem:' that we have here. It needs to be better known,
better functioning, strengthened and attracting more support. We have to

4 DIVA N TER N ATIO N AL DIPLO M AT