Migiro to embark on two-nation European trip

Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro departs tomorrow for a two-nation European visit, during which she will, among other activities, meet with United Nations staff members living with HIV, it was announced today.

In Geneva, she will chair a meeting of the Regional Coordination Mechanism of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), which will address coherent support from the UN system for the fight against climate change.

Participants are also expected to discuss the new Global Impact Vulnerability Alert System (GIVAS), which aims to provide early, real-time data to the international community on how external shocks, such as the economic crisis, are affecting the welfare of the vulnerable and poor.

While in the Swiss city, Ms. Migiro will meet with a group of Geneva-based members of UN+, an advocacy group comprising staff members living with HIV, as well as with other UN organizations.

From there, she will travel to Brussels to launch the 2008 Partnership Report between the UN and the European Union.

During her 10-13 October visit to the Belgian city, the Deputy Secretary-General will also address the European Parliament and meet with the European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy.