UN management chief to step down at month's end

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today hailed the accomplishments and commitment of Catherine Bertini, who is stepping down as Under-Secretary-General for Management at the end of this month.

Thanking Ms. Bertini on behalf of the UN family and the international community as a whole for her "splendid services to humanity," Mr. Annan praised her "efficient leadership" as Under-Secretary-General for Management since 2003 during a crucial period of UN reform.

According to a spokesman in New York, the Secretary-General reluctantly accepted her resignation as she and her husband, Tom, look to become more involved in the community, the arts and other activities. In particular, Ms. Bertini intends to return to academia, as well as to continue her active involvement in supporting global girls' education. She will also maintain her role as Chair of the UN System Standing Committee on Nutrition.

In reply to her resignation letter, the Secretary-General cited Ms. Bertini's 10 years of service to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), from 1992 to 2002, during which the agency became "a model of success in assisting millions of victims of wars and natural disasters around the world." She was awarded the World Food Prize for this work.

He also praised the "outstanding job" she did for 16 months as UN Security Coordinator when UN staff around the world were at great risk, the spokesman said.