Page 7 - DIVA_3_2009

More than at any other time in
recent istoiy - migration it+ its
various forms is rel:ated in
critical measure to labour
migration and the global
economy. This phenomenon
corresponds to demographic,
economic and labour market
dynamics: the growing labour
demands and deficits in
industrialized countries due to
ageing populations and
dramatically declining birth
rates, combined with rapid
population growth and the
search for employment in much
of the developing world. Other
factors drive human mobility,
such as climate change, natural
disasters, conflicts and
instability. Moreover, the cur-
rent global financial crisis adds
further sei'ious complications.
work of the UN and its Therefore it is not solely an '[JNHCR and the peace buil-
agencies, some of which were administrative function, ding process. I knew IOM from my t'me in
unknown to the general public. especially as there is already a Geneva as a delegate and from
For instance, in those days the Director dealing with Q: So you will be one of time spent in the field. Now I
International Trade Centre Administrative Support. The the key players at 10M? am learning more about the
(ITC) was playing a huge role, Chef de Cabinet organizes the Orgaxiation from the inside.
and I stin believe that its work work with the other depart- It is a very challenging position, As far as the mandate of the
represents a considerable ments, in coordination with although I have been used to organization is concemed, we
acievement. It operates in its their respective Heads and all siinilar challenges throughout have a major challenge before
field to promote trade in deve- IOM colleagues, according to my career. As one of my {JN us, but also a number of
loping counti'ies. It only has one the Director General's vision colleagues said to me: "Aha, potential opporkunities, in

meeting a year to adopt its and insttuctions. He is the filter you are the example of increasing IOM services to
budget. The rest of the time it between the secretariat and the mobility." This was because, Member States , despite
works to carg out its mandate. outside world-meaning when I retiu'ned to '[JNOG, I economic austerity as Member
Other articles were published at Member States, our offices had been moving from one States and other govemments
the time regarding ITU, abroad (because IOM has 430 position to another-from seek to address new economic
ECOSOC, the {JN Secretaiy regional and national offices Director of Publication realities. IOM is proud to
General and others. worldwide). Services, to Chef de Cabinet of support the intemational
the UNOG Director Geneial, to corrmunity in addressing the

Other agencies, as you know, There is a lot of incoming Director of Central Planning problems associated with
have a mandate split between infomation and requests for and Coordination Sei'vice of the migration and I am pleased to
iinpleinenting programines and infoi'mation. The Chef de Division of Conference play my part in assisting the
address'mg political matters. Cabiiiet's job is to orgarme it, Management and tlien I moved new Director General, Mr.
and then to coordinate follow- again in Febniaiy this year. William Lacy Swing, in
Q: Congratulattons on rip inside and outside the implementing his important
your new position as Chef Organization... At the same I believe that, whoever is programme for the
de Cabinet of the IOM. tiine, the Director-General's concerned, mobility has its Organization.
Does this mean that you visions and inshuctions have to merits and I also tliink of it as a
will be in charge of admi- be implemented and challenge. It is not simply a Thank you.
nistration? information filtered to . The question of moving from one
appropriate infonnation must place to another, but whatever
First of all, I would like to say go to the appropi'iate levels. As the field of expertise there
that it was an honour that Mr. you know, 97 per cent of IOM sliould be challenges -
William Lacy Swing, the new staff is field-based and only 3 sei'vices, political, administra-
Director General of IOM, per cent at Headquaiters (200 tion. Each ofthese challenges is
appoMed me to tlffs position. staff members). With my expe- important for career develop-
Chef de Cabinet is a managerial rience, in tlie field as well as at ment.
position to assist the Director Headquarters, I think I can
General to iinplement his man- fulfil the tasks entrusted to me Q: Now you are dealing
date. The inciunbent should not by the Director General. As you with migration, one of the
only liave wide adininistrative laiow, IOM works closely w'th biggest challenges of the
experience and personal skills the UN cou'ihy teain in the twenty-first century?
but also political acumen. field and is partner of the UN in
many fields, especially with
3 2009 Diva 5

wwwdivainternationalch