Global perspective Human stories

Chiefs of UN's principal organs hold fifth annual meeting

Chiefs of UN's principal organs hold fifth annual meeting

The heads of the six principal organs of the United Nations held their fifth annual meeting in New York yesterday as part of a process to improve the efficiency of the world body.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the five Presidents discussed many issues of common concern, including the security of UN staff in conflict areas, revitalizing the work of the principal organs, and general reform of the UN, according to a statement released today by a spokesperson for Mr. Annan.

The meeting also discussed issues relating to Iraq, the Middle East, the Millennium Development Goals, and economic development and trade. Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette briefed the meeting on progress in reform of the UN Secretariat and in tackling HIV/AIDS.

The principal organs are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat. Mr. Annan initiated these meetings in 1998.