UN CITY
COPENHAGEN
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
WELCOME TO
UN CITY COPENHAGEN Picture: Hasse Ferrold
Building a more efficient United Nations THE UN IN DENMARK The United Nations and Denmark share a long history, dating back to the years following World War II. Denmark was one of the first members of the UN and has, among other things, decorated the Trusteeship Council Chamber in New York as part of a donation to the UN. The Danish contribution to the Trusteeship Council Chamber tells a unique story of UN history and Denmark, where Danish architect Finn Juhl was commissioned to create a room which managed the transition from trust territories to self-government or independence. The first UN agency to work in Denmark was the World Health Organisation (WHO), which set up a host country agreement with Denmark in 1956. Since then, eight other agencies have set up offices in Denmark. Denmark is also one of a handful of countries to meet the UN target of devoting at least 0.7 per cent of its gross national income to official development assistance, a fact that was highlighted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon when he took part in the official opening of UN City. “Indeed Denmark has met and often exceeded that target for an incredible 35 years! That’s since 1978 – the year when Anker Jorgensen led a grand coalition as Prime Minister, and when Jimmy Carter brokered Middle East Peace with the Camp David Accords. Just to give you some perspective, 1978 was also the year when the world music charts were topped by the Bee Gees with Stayin’ Alive, ABBA with Take a Chance on Me, and John Travolta and Ol-
ivia Newton John with You’re the One that I Want. Now, after 35 years of Danish leadership helping children around the world not only ‘stay alive’ but also thrive, I am proud to say that Denmark has always been a partner worth ‘taking a chance on’, and you are, most certainly, ‘the one that we want’,” he said. In 2013, the long relationship between Denmark and the UN was further developed. After lengthy preparations, the UN organisations in Denmark took a big step and moved in together in an iconic building in Copenhagen. It was the result of a process started at the turn of the millennium, when the concept of a more efficient and coherent United Nations was strongly underlined in the declaration of the UN Millennium Summit of World Leaders in 2000.
FINDING A HOME IN COPENHAGEN Wishing to advance the Millennium Summit declaration, the government of Denmark decided to investigate the possibility of moving eight Copenhagen-based UN agencies into one single compound. The plans for a UN City in Copenhagen were born in 2002, and the location at Marmormolen was selected in 2005. The idea was not only to obtain considerable savings on economies of scale, but also to facilitate cooperation among the agencies. Since then, other agencies have decided to move part of their operations to Denmark and UN City.
Campus 1 on Marmormolen currently accommodates about 1,200 staff members from eight agencies. Campus 2, located at the container port, constitutes UNICEF Supply Division’s new state-of-the-art high-bay warehouse and is currently the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world. Bringing agencies together provides an opportunity for them to consider the enhanced options for coordinating work within human resources, common procurement, joint tender committees, shared support staff, joint information programmes, and more fundamentally a merging of all parallel functions of the same nature. Of course the new home of the UN had to live up to the principles of the organisation. Therefore, UN City is platinum LEED-certified and has been awarded the European Commission’s Green Building Award for New Buildings. The building also houses the secretariat of GPHS (Green Procurement in the Health Sector), a joint effort by five UN agencies to reduce the health sector’s environmental burden through a new global initiative. Discover more about this beautifully designed building, and the UN agencies it houses, as we take you on a journey through the UN in the heart of Copenhagen.
President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● Editor: David Nothling ● Layout: Lyndsay Jensen ● Commercial Director: Hans Hermansen, hans@cphpost.dk, Tel: +45 2420 2411 ● Picture credit for images: Thinkstock, UN City Copenhagen & Hasse Ferrold
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
A WORD FROM
THE MINISTER The Minister of Trade and Development shares his support for the UN, and offers words of advice on how Denmark can work with the UN to improve its global operations. Why did Denmark invest in UN City? Denmark is a long and firm supporter of the UN, but Danes are pragmatists and we expect efficiency – also from the UN. We get discouraged when we hear how the UN acts inefficiently and bureaucratically and does not deliver fast enough when the world needs it the most. Criticising, however, is easy. As a UN member state we are obliged to do whatever possible to help the UN improve its performance. UN City is a contribution to the ‘Delivering as One’ reform as we bring together funds and programmes for better cooperation and synergy. Denmark hosts parts of the administrative engines of some of the largest UN organisations, and we have already seen that the co-housing has increased the collaboration and synergy within procurement for instance. Procurement is an element that can potentially give enormous administrative effectiveness gains – and we would like to see the UN spend more of their money on the needy and less on administration.
Denmark is often seen as punching above its own weight within the UN – why is that? Our predictable and high contribution to development has a role to play. For more than 30 years Denmark has provided more than 0.7 per cent of our GNI for development – currently the level is at 0.83 per cent. But apart from our financial contribution, we seek to make a
difference through our determined and active political commitment. It is interesting how we in Denmark often refer to respect of fundamental rights, solidarity and equality as ‘Danish values’, but these are really universal values agreed by the UN. Denmark is actively supporting these values in the UN General Assembly and within the Governing Bodies of the funds and programmes, just as they are guiding principles for our work with the operational part of the UN, which is working in all developing countries around the world – including in the most challenging places and places that are difficult to reach.
You have been calling for a more activist Danish development policy. Can you explain how this activist approach to development will influence Denmark’s international work? Principles like equal rights, fair labour conditions, sustainable growth and egalitarian societies, which we in Denmark take for granted, are unfortunately still being challenged globally. The best place to take the critical dialogue is in the UN, where we can and will promote and stand up for the shared values of the UN and Denmark. We openly criticise decisions taken by partners, when we don’t
agree, and our talk is followed by action. The global forum provided by the UN gives room for dialogue, as was the case with the recent dialogue I had with the Government of Uganda when they adopted an anti-homosexual law. Subsequently, we decided to reduce our collaboration with the Ugandan government and instead increase the collaboration with NGO’s that fight for human rights – including minorities’ rights.
Where will the UN be 10 years from now? I strongly believe in the UN. The system as a whole might have its flaws, and we need to work on these. But the system is full of dedicated people wanting to make real change in the world. With a constantly changing world order, we need this global body more than ever to create a space for international dialogue on global issues such as human rights, peace and security, and responsible and inclusive growth. But let me end by saying that ‘development’ should not be left to the UN alone. It requires commitment and courage from all of us: Private companies, politicians, organisations and individuals. We must all take part in making this world a better place. Minister of Trade and Development, Mogens Jensen
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
OPERATING
UNDER PRESSURE Grete Faremo’s focus is on how the UN can become more sustainable, and how UNOPS can help its partners – NGOs and governments as well as businesses – do the same.
Picture: Hasse Ferrold
“UNOPS is committed to applying the principles of sustainability in its operations and has established a sustainability programme to coordinate and drive a number of related initiatives”, Ms. Faremo says. Partners can be sister agencies within the UN, nation states seeking to build capacity and a range of other institutions. “A new Partnerships Practice Group has been launched to drive the development of new and existing partnerships – including with the United Nations, governments, the private sector, and so forth.”
UNOPS head Grete Faremo addresses some of the biggest global challenges of our time. From Minister of Justice and Public Security to Minister of Defense, Grete Faremo has held a variety of senior positions in the Norwegian government. She also has an impressive track record in the private sector, having worked for companies such as Storebrand and Microsoft. Now she is the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), an operational arm of the United Nations. From her office in UN City Copenhagen, she is in charge of more than 7000 employees working in more than 80 different countries. When asked why she decided to join the UN, she mentions the link between politics and the private sector, as well as the promotion of sustainable business practices, as the main reasons. “I can build on my experience from the public as well as the private sector, politics as well as development cooperation. By advancing sustainable business practices, UNOPS is addressing some of the biggest global challenges of our time. I am looking forward to being part of that effort!”
The economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability should be included at all levels of UNOPS work according to Ms. Faremo, in line with the outcome document of the UNOPS’ conference on sustainability in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. To drive sustainability and keep those dimensions in mind, UNOPS will have to rely on international best practices. “We will continue our pursuit of sustainability and operational excellence by relying on internationally recognised best practices and standards”, Ms. Faremo says. One way the UN can help its partners become more sustainable is through procurement practices. “Sustainable procurement helps organisations meet their needs for goods, works and services in a way that achieves value for money. This generates benefits beyond the organisation to the economy and society as a whole, while minimising adverse environmental impacts. The United Nations can use its consistent buying power and track record in leading by example in procurement to propel markets toward innovation and sustainability.” In this regard, being located in Denmark is beneficial. The Danes are leaders in sustainability and innovation, and Copenhagen has
become a large hub for procurement for the UN. The agencies present in Copenhagen procure roughly 50% of all UN’s procurement – estimated at seven billion US dollars a year. “Denmark is a world leader in sustainability. As sustainability is a top priority for the UN, organisations here have the unique opportunity to interact with innovators in this field. Copenhagen has in recent years become a hub for UN procurement and it is an excellent location for liaison with the Nordic countries,” she explains. Goods procured in UN City make a very tangible difference in the field for an organisation like UNOPS. Some of the examples Ms. Faremo mentions include support for the Syrian refugee response in Jordan. There, “the Azraq refugee camp was built to support the response to the steady number of Syrian refugees who have entered Jordan since 2011. To complement the decentralised design of Azraq camp, UNOPS, on behalf of the Government of Canada, supported the Government of Jordan by constructing essential security facilities and procuring equipment to enable the provision of vital security services,” Ms. Faremo says. Other examples include projects in South Sudan and Haiti. In South Sudan, a UNOPS project has helped cut the primary school dropout rate for girls by 39% in local communities, and in Haiti, an agreement between the governments of Haiti, Brazil and Cuba is helping to strengthen the country’s health care system, while developing national capacity and promoting job creation. All these examples are in line with Ms. Faremo’s vision for UNOPS. She is excited about her new role as Executive Director, and looks forward to continuing the agency’s cooperation with partners from all over the world:
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Together, we make sure that project management, infrastructure and procurement activities reach those who need it most. Through managing development projects efficiently and effectively, we focus on delivering results that matter.
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A MORE SUSTAINABLE UN
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UN CITY OPENS
ITS DOORS TO ALL VISITORS On Marble Pier, an artificial island in the Northern Harbour of Copenhagen, you will find UN City surrounded by water. A small moat separates it from the rest of Copenhagen, and secures the openness of the building. Instead of high walls or fences, the moat makes the white building with the characteristic shape of an eight-fingered star visible, even welcoming, from the city. The iconic star-shape with the eight arms symbolises the UN’s efforts to reach out to people all over the world, and the openness of the UN is reflected by the building. For tourists on cruise ships and ferries trav-
elling to Copenhagen, the white building provides an architectural welcome to Copenhagen, home of the largest UN hub in Scandinavia. The building is not only open to curious glances from tourists but also welcomes them inside. A visitors’ centre has been established, enabling anyone so inclined to come hear more about the importance and diversity of the UN’s work, and the sustainability and architecture of one of Copenhagen’s most remarkable buildings. By setting foot in the building, guests will join the club of more than 40,000 people who have already visited UN City, underlining the
openness of the UN and the building to both curious guests and people visiting for professional purposes. The stream of visitors is steadily growing, as the public is enabled to sign up online for guided tours and presentations from agencies housed in UN City. Advertisement
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
PARTNERSHIP FOR A GREENER
UNITED NATIONS
Around the world, the health sector provides a key opportunity to promote health and reduce environmental harm. The UN can leverage its considerable buying power to inspire companies to produce more sustainable products in a more environmentally-friendly way. An example of this is seen in UN City, where five UN Agencies (UNDP, UNEP, UNFPA, UNOPS, and WHO) are now collaborating to reduce the health sector’s environmental burden through a new global initiative. A GREENER PROCUREMENT HUB Within the health sector, procurement and supply chain processes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and chemical pollution. A greener approach to global health procurement through a coordinated effort by all UN stakeholders could significantly reduce the environmental burden of the sector. Copenhagen has found itself at the heart of the battle, since
UN City serves as the UN’s global procurement hub. In 2012, health sector-related products and services for more than three billion USD were procured from Copenhagen. Influencing global procurement standards to improve the safety and efficacy of medicines and medical devices is not exactly new to the UN. The effect on the UN’s buying power is already well demonstrated by the impact of
the WHO’s globally recognised pre-qualification programme. By working as one UN, this new joint effort utilises procurement as both an advocacy and a market shaping tool to influence UN procurement practitioners, global and regional health care supplies manufacturers, and funding entities to improve environmental stewardship of production and supply chain activities. To
achieve the goal of greener procurement in the health sector, the UN has put in place the following measures:
UN agencies are to establish joint procurement standards. Agencies are to engage in capacity building with suppliers. Enlist institutions that finance global health initiatives to utilise green procurement standards. Develop and implement practice based tools for UN agencies and suppliers. Develop and promote innovative green procurement solutions among health care institutions
Through these joint practices the UN system can leverage its considerable purchasing power to drive greener manufacturing and supply chain management, and this can lead to a measurable decrease in both the health sector’s global greenhouse gas emissions and in chemical pollution.
Using procurement as a strategic tool to advance the environmental agenda, the Green Procurement in the Health Sector initiative (GPHS) will:
Establish evidence based standards on what constitutes ‘’green’’ procurement in the health sector and activities to address research gaps will be initiated. Capacitate UN procurement officers, suppliers and health actors so as to be able to operationalise green procurement practices in the health sector. Increase the awareness of key stakeholders with an influence over procurement activities in the health sector, e.g. suppliers and manufacturers, procurement officers, international health development agencies, and health actors and engage them in support of the overall initiative.
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UN City is an example of how modern, energyefficient offices can play their part in building the future we want.
Picture: Hasse Ferrold
The UN system is apt to reduce the environmental burden of the health care systems, as each UN agency carries market power in some segments of the pharmaceuticals and medical devices market. Some of the agencies also have an enormous normative influence that can be used in order to effectively address environmental issues. Furthermore, the UN system is also mandated to ‘’walk the talk’’ and to lead by example.
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ACTION AND ADVOCACY
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UN DAY:
CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
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This year again, we saw the United Nations come together on armed conflict, human rights, the environment and many other issues. We continue to show what collective action can do. We can do even more. In a world that is more connected, we must be more united. On United Nations Day, let us pledge to live up to our founding ideals and work together for peace, development and human rights.
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- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
October 24th has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948, and marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.
A BRIEF HISTORY The United Nations is an international organisation founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter,
the organisation can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for its 193 Member States to express their views, through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies and committees. The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. Although best known for peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance, there are many other ways the United Nations and its System (specialised agencies, funds and programmes) affect our lives and make the world a better place. The organisation works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human rights, gender equality and the advancement of women, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing
landmines, expanding food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for this and future generations. Source: http://www.un.org/
THE UN HAS 4 MAIN PURPOSES: To keep peace throughout the world. To develop friendly relations among nations. To help nations work together to improve the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms. To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations to achieve these goals.
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UN PAVES THE WAY FOR
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
UN procures billions in goods and services each year The total value of procurement of goods and services by the United Nations was 16.1 billion USD in 2013, with the largest sums spent on pharmaceuticals, healthcare services, medical equipment, transportation, construction and food. These highlights are part of the latest Annual Statistical Report on UN Procurement, which provides data and analysis on the goods and services procured by the UN system in support of its operations.
PROCUREMENT STATISTICS In total, the UN system procured goods and
services from 192 different countries in 2013, with 123 countries having an annual procurement volume of more than 10 million USD each. The report shows a continuing increase in UN procurement from developing countries and countries with economies in transition over the last ten years, which currently represents over 60 percent of total UN procurement. From 2009 to 2013, procurement from these countries increased by more than two billion USD. Among the ten major countries to supply the
UN organisations in 2013, four were developing countries and countries with economies in transition: India, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Kenya. Overall, the three largest countries of supply were the United States of America, accounting for 1.7 billion USD, followed by India at one billion USD and Switzerland at 716.6 million USD. The report reveals that UN organisations are actively promoting sustainable procurement, with 24 organisations implementing a range of initiatives such as training and support for
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
This edition of the report marks the 30th anniversary, which has been compiled by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on behalf of the UN system. The report shows that the largest purchasers overall were the United Nations Procuresustainability integration in the procurement process. The report also provides data on suppliers that support the United Nations Global Compact, which promotes corporate social responsibility, particularly in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. The volume of procurement with Global Compact members has grown steadily over the last five years, reaching 27 percent of contracts of 30 000 USD or more in 2013, up 11% since 2009.
ment (UNPD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Food Programme (WFP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in descending order. Advertisement
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
DANISH PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT In 2013, Denmark sold products and services to the United Nations for more than three billion DKK, making Denmark the fifth biggest supplier to the UN. Thereby, Danish companies exports as much to the UN as to countries such as Brazil and India. Danish companies have increased their share of total procurement to the United Nations by almost 40% in 2013 compared to 2012. This makes Denmark one of the top five suppliers to the United Nations, right behind countries like as USA, India and Switzerland. With a total of three billion DKK (USD 552.7 million) exported in 2013, Denmark’s share of total procurement to the UN has almost tripled in volume since 2003. Goods sold by Danish companies typically include vaccines, medical equipment, mosquito nets, equipment for transportation, pharmaceutical products, IT, office supplies as well as furniture. In terms of services, the largest part of Danish revenue is within shipping and transportation but Danish companies also deliver consultancy services for example for minesweeping operations. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs sees a significant potential for Danish companies in environmental consultancy, construction and engineering advisory services as well as marketing to name a few. Additionally, there is need for water technology and solutions for delivery of clean water.
FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT AND INNOVATION Earlier this year, 153 Danish, Norwegian,
Swedish and Icelandic companies participated in a joint Nordic procurement seminar with 15 UN subdivisions and the World Bank. The event was organised by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Confederation of the Danish Industry in collaboration with UN City, and offered presentations on procurement needs and procedures by key UN agencies. The focus of the seminar was on UN efforts within sustainable procurement and innovation. The Danish Minister for Trade and Development, Mogens Jensen, spoke about the im-
portance of such a seminar: “Danish solutions contribute in meeting many important challenges within development cooperation. The goal is to secure sustainable development and improving conditions of life in developing countries. In order for the UN to accomplish all its valued missions around the world, the quality of its goods must be on par: Vaccines must be of high standard and transported in the most efficient way, and we must secure sufficient food supplies to stave off famines. Danish companies play an important part in resolving these issues and helping people in need.”
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
ON WORLD FOOD DAY, UN WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS PROGRESS
TOWARDS ZERO HUNGER families can build their futures and farmers can better provide for themselves and help their communities become self-sufficient”, Cousin said. Every year, WFP marks World Food Day alongside the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome and offices around the world.
Amid several hunger emergencies – both natural and man-made – the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has marked World Food Day, 16 October, by highlighting both the challenges around the world and the real progress being made towards “zero hunger.” “Every year, we witness hunger’s devastating effect on families, communities and whole economies,” said WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin. “But despite horrific crises engulfing entire regions, we are making real progress in the fight to sustainably and durably end hunger and chronic malnutrition. Thanks to the work we do with our partners on emergency preparedness, support to family farmers, nutritional assistance – particularly in a child’s first 1,000 days – and building the re-
silience of communities to withstand shocks, millions of people are now better able to focus on building a future free of hunger for themselves and the next generation.” According to The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014 report, the total number of hungry people in the world is down by 37 million, to 805 million, and 63 countries have reached international hunger-reduction targets before 2015, proof of the progress possible when governments, humanitarian organisations and the private sector come together to make lasting change. Recent studies have outlined the devastating effect that hunger and under-nutrition can have on the lives of individuals, communities and national economies. Data from a series of studies called the Cost of Hunger in Africa has shown that hunger is capable of reducing a nation’s workforce by 9.4% and national GDPs by up to 16.5%, severely limiting a developing country’s ability to make much needed investments and grow. “This shows why the international community must continue to strive towards a world with zero hunger, a world in which children and
The theme for this year’s World Food Day is “family farming,” one of the many ways WFP is supporting local economies to build self-sufficiency and people to achieve zero hunger in their communities. Here are just a few of the ways WFP is helping an average of 90 million people a year focus on their futures: Providing emergency food assistance to people affected by natural and manmade disasters, such as the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and the civil conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Central African Republic and South Sudan. Running or supporting school meals programmes in remote places, giving roughly 20 million of the poorest children a chance at a brighter future. Prioritising the purchase of food in developing countries and from family and small-scale farmers to support local economies. Partnering with companies and organisations around the world to improve WFP operations, create innovative solutions and raise funds and awareness. More information about what zero hunger can do for people is available at www.wfp.org/WorldFoodDay.
Source: WFP
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UN CITY MAKING A DIFFERENCE
AROUND THE GLOBE
Imagine yourself on a mission for the UN in a desolate province in South Sudan or the Central African Republic. Your headquarters have been attacked and destroyed, and you have lost power, telephone and internet connectivity - your critical contact with the outside world. The crisis is worsening. Spending days or weeks rebuilding your communications systems would be disastrous. Where do you turn for help? You can turn to the innovative approach of UNDP’s Office of Information Systems and Technology in UN City. They have developed a rapidly deployable modular infrastructure called Office-in-a-Box. This kit is designed to help colleagues in risk-prone and highly adverse environments set up communications systems in a matter of hours. Using this kit, as it has recently been done in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Bhutan, and other countries, is the difference between
a long, drawn-out procurement process and a rapid response with effective results on the ground.
WHAT IS OFFICE-IN-A-BOX? Office-in-a-Box is based on the concept of an emergency response kit. The idea behind it is to enable rapid technology setup in the field. Moe T. Kyaw, who is on the design and delivery team, explains: “When there is a crisis and there are no telephones or Internet, Country Offices will have problems communicating with each other and with headquarters. They do not have time for a two to three week setup. This is where Office-in-a-Box can help, creating communication channels in hours, not days.” The prefabricated kit is not much bigger than your refrigerator. Depending on office needs, the kit contains everything you need to run an office infrastructure, with rack space for
Internet routers, virtualised servers, telephony, firewall, link load balancing, cabling, switches, and videoconferencing solutions. Office-in-a-Box is typically prepared by the team in UN City, with contents customised for particular office requirements. Then it is shipped to the field. Blessing Kabasa works on the box: “Offices do nothing more than open up the kit, connect a few cables, power on, and it is up and running! These kits have already been shipped to Bukavu, Goma, and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as to Bhutan and South Sudan. Others are being planned for Argentina, Turkey, and Lesotho.”
LONG TERM BENEFITS OF THE OFFICE-IN-A-BOX This virtual office ensures ease-of-use, information security, a lower carbon footprint, as
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well as business continuity and disaster recovery. The kit saves money on infrastructure as well as ICT (information communications technology) services, reduces maintenance and labour efforts (expected at 75-80%), and offers way more environmentally-friendly power consumption (a 75% reduction in power consumption). In addition, all information assets can be saved in the cloud, allowing users to access and collaborate from anywhere in the world. Gerald Demeules is a global ICT advisor at UNDP: “Technology is key to empower people to deliver and coordinate humanitarian aids in crisis situations. Good coordination allows humanitarian aid to reach people in need quickly. Otherwise, it rapidly becomes difficult for them to absorb all the help flowing in. Today, ICT is an integral part of development and crisis response”.
HELPING COUNTRY OFFICES WITH ICT SOLUTIONS The Office-in-a-Box works well beyond crisis prevention and recovery. All UNDP Country Offices may leverage its speed of deployment and minimal hardware footprint. The new One UN office in Bhutan, for example, uses the kit for all of its different UN Agencies, multiplying the savings and optimising collaboration and interoperability among the various programmes. “The Bhutan office was moving to a new location and was building everything from scratch,” Moe T. Kyaw says. “A year before agencies in Bhutan were to relocate, the office started looking at the existing ICT infrastructure and mapped out what they needed, how many people would be in the new building, and so forth. They sent the information to us, and we designed a smart, inexpensive, green, and comprehensive solution.” As the United Nations prepares its vison and results for a post2015 world, UNDP sees an office of the future where its knowledge is safely stored in the cloud, its technology is streamlined, and its humanitarian response is agile and immediate to meet our future challenges. The Office-in-a-Box is just one part of this strategy going forward, already delivering real results in offices worldwide. UNDP at UN City is doing its part to streamline systems and services to best meet the challenges of extreme poverty, women’s empowerment, civil strife, rule of law, AIDS and Ebola, as well as natural disasters and global warming.
Our students go far further In 2015 one of our graduates, Andy Mogensen, will go further than ever before, as he will travel to the International Space Station as part of the European Space Program. We are very proud of him and the education he received at CIS. Just as we are proud of all our other students and their ability to navigate in an international environment and become the best they can be. CIS offers the IB Primary Years Program, the IB Middle Years Program as well as the IB Diploma Program which gives access to outstanding universities and opportunities worldwide and beyond. For more information please visit cis.dk
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UNHCR
PROTECTING REFUGEES WORLDWIDE
UN Refugee Agency opens an office in Copenhagen to establish long term global partnerships with the private sector UNHCR is the leading frontline global organisation saving lives, protecting the rights and finding solutions for millions of refugees, displaced and stateless people around the world. Initially established in 1951 after WWII, to resolve the post-war refugee situation in Europe, the agency has grown exponentially
PROTECTING AND ASSISTING 35.8 MILLION REFUGEES WORLDWIDE UNHCR is uniquely mandated under its 1950 Statute and the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees – an international
since, to match the growth in refugees glob-
agreement on the rights of refugees - to pro-
ally - now at the highest level in a decade.
tect refugees globally. UNHCR is also man-
dated to help countries reduce statelessness under the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Entirely humanitarian and non-political, UNHCR is headquartered in Geneva and works in over 125 countries. Over 80 percent of its 8,000 staff are on the ground, often in difficult and dangerous environments, working
directly with refugees and displaced people. Most of our staff are employed locally and know the local languages and culture. UNHCR strongly believes that collaborative efforts with partners are a powerful force for overcoming the challenges of the worlds forcibly displaced and works with over 800 partners worldwide to build better futures for refugees, the displaced and stateless. UNHCR is almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions from governments and private donors and needs support to help the 35.8 million people that depend on the organisation.
MOBILISING PRIVATE SECTOR RESOURCES FROM COPENHAGEN Private Sector support for UNHCR is injecting the refugee cause with new and vital energy. New opportunities, expertise and visibility offered by the private sector partnerships are invaluable to the agency’s operations, while enhancing the reputation of the individuals, companies and foundations involved. These new relationships are being built through various channels, including face-to-face fundraising, direct TV and other digital channels, as well as marketing campaigns for specific causes that reach millions of people. A number of these campaigns draw on the support of celebrities who have been deeply touched by the plight of those forcibly displaced from their homes.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, is fully committed to growing private sector fundraising to diversify and enlarge UNHCR’s donor-base in a sustainable manner, which is imperative in times of ever growing humanitarian needs. UNHCR’s presence in the UN City is allowing its global private sector fundraising operations to realise its ambitious growth targets in the coming years. While Denmark is already a strong and determined supporter of the United Nations and among the top donors to UN funds and programmes, UNHCR’s presence in Copenhagen will further provide important synergies with Denmark and all Nordic countries, other UN agencies and partners from the private sector. UNHCR Regional Representation for Northern Europe covering the Nordic and Baltic countries continues to be based in Stockholm. Source: http://unhcr.org
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme - UNDP - is the UN’s largest development organisation. We work throughout the world with governments and other national partners to promote sustainable human development focusing our work on eradicating poverty in a way which simultaneously reduces inequality and exclusion and avoids wrecking our ecosystems. UNDP also has a special role as coordinator of the entire UN development system.
FACTSHEET: Established: 1966 Head quarter: New York Operational in: 177 countries and territories
UNDP COPENHAGEN UNDP has several headquarter functions located in the UN City including our global human resource department, procurement, IT connectivity and a Nordic Representation Office. In addition, UNDP hosts the UN City’s Common Services. The UNDP Nordic Representation Office (NRO), initially opened in
Copenhagen in 1993, serves as a liaison and communication office with a public outreach function to the Nordic countries - Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. The office is led by Camilla Brückner (since February 2012) and has a liaison and communications officer present in each of the four capitals. The NRO works to inform and raise public awareness of UNDP’s mandate, work and results in our key focus areas - poverty reduction and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, the environment and climate change. We also seek to engage Nordic stakeholders in the global development
agenda and currently advocate for the need to define a new global development agenda after 2015, which is ambitious and visionary and focuses on empowering lives and building resilient nations. An agenda, which not only aims to eradicate poverty but also advances the necessary means to ensure that no one falls back into poverty. From our perspective this calls for greater focus on promoting equality in all its dimensions, inclusive social and economic development, effective and accountable governments, environmental sustainability and peace and security. Source: http://www.undp.org
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UNEP The voice of the environment; preserving our environment for generations to come
UNEP is the United Nations Environment
Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) are
the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Programme. It coordinates United Nations
based in Denmark.
Design’s (LEED) highest rating. UN City was
environmental activities, assisting develop-
awarded the LEED certification at the end of
ing countries in implementing environmen-
UNEP MANDATE
tally sound policies and practices. Its work is
To be the leading global environmental au-
ly constructed, platinum-certified buildings in
spread over six key priorities which include
thority that sets the global environmental
Denmark and 29 across Europe.
Climate Change, Disasters and Conflicts, Eco-
agenda, that promotes the coherent imple-
system Management, Environmental Gov-
mentation of the environmental dimensions
ernance, Harmful Substances, and Resource
of sustainable development within the United
Efficiency. UNEP was founded as a result of
Nations system and that serves as an author-
the United Nations Conference on the Hu-
itative advocate for the global environment.
man Environment in June 1972, and has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEP also
UN CITY GOES GREEN
has six regional offices and various country
UN City has been recognised for its commit-
offices and collaborating centres, of which
ment to environmental sustainability, becom-
the UNEP-DTU Partnership and the Climate
ing the first United Nations complex to receive
December 2013, making it one of three new-
Source: http://www.unep.org/
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UNICEF Making the world a better place for its children
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, promotes the rights and well-being of every child in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into concrete outcomes and impact in children’s health, nutrition, access to water and sanitation, education and protection. We focus special efforts on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. UNICEF’s global supply and logistics operations, Supply Division, is headquartered in UN City Campus II.
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UNFPA Making every pregnancy wanted and every birth safe
UNFPA, the United Nation’s Population Fund, is the lead UN agency for delivering a world
countries around the world.
age their fertility. UNFPA is the biggest pro-
is safe, and every young person’s potential
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL
is fulfilled. To this end, UNFPA supports ac-
The Fund also promotes the human rights
cess to contraception, including condoms to
of adolescent, engages young people in
protect against sexually transmitted infec-
leadership and in decisions that affect them,
tions notably HIV/AIDS; access to health care
supports
during pregnancy and childbirth; and com-
sexuality education, creates safe spaces for
prehensive sexuality education. UNFPA pro-
adolescent girls, and encourages abandon-
motes gender equality and supports aban-
ment of harmful practices.
where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth
donment of harmful practices. UNFPA helps
age-appropriate
comprehensive
to build countries’ capacities for population
DID YOU KNOW?
data collection and analysis to guide nation-
Today 222 million women who want to avoid
al policymaking. UNFPA’s Headquarters are
or delay childbearing do not have access to
located in New York. The Fund works in 159
quality services and supplies needed to man-
curer of contraceptives which are purchased from its Procurement Office in Copenhagen. Source: www.unfpa.org
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UNOPS
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting over 1,000 peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS provides project management, infrastructure and procurement services, often in the most challenging environments. Projects have included managing the construction of schools in Afghanistan, building shelters in Haiti and procuring educational computers in Argentina. UNOPS global headquarters is located in UN City, along with departments overseeing global partnerships, specialised services and work in various regions around the world. The organisation works with a wide range of partners, including other UN organisations, governments and donors. With over 7,000 personnel spread across
more than 80 countries, UNOPS helps partners deliver a lasting difference to the lives of people who need it most.
MISSION UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
VISION UNOPS vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations. Source: www.unops.org
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
UN WOMEN Empowering women and girls
UN Women is the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established in 2010 to accelerate progress on women’s rights worldwide.
WHAT WE DO FOR WOMEN UN Women works with UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality, and then works with governments, civil society and UN System partners to design laws, programmes and services needed to implement these standards. UN Women stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life, focusing on five priority areas to unlock rapid transformation:
Increasing women’s participation and leadership; Ending violence against women; Engaging women in all aspects of peace and security processes; Enhancing women’s economic empowerment; and Making gender equality central to national development planning and budgeting.
OPERATIONS IN COPENHAGEN UN Women’s Nordic Office situated at UN City liaises with Nordic governments, parliamentarians and key decision-makers, as well as UN Women National Committees in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, the private sector, media, civil society and all UN agencies based in Copenhagen. The Nordic countries have a
steadfast relationship with the UN, and have historically been strong advocates for gender equality both within their own countries and as part of their international development cooperation policy. Source: http://www.unwomen.org
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
WHO Providing global public health leadership for those in need
The World Health Organization is the authority responsible for public health within the United Nations system. It provides leadership on global health matters, shapes the health research agenda, sets norms and standards, articulates evidence-based policy options, provides technical support to countries and monitors and assesses health trends.
WHO AT UN CITY The WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) is one of six WHO regional offices around the world, and is located in Copenhagen. It serves 53 Member States – from Ireland to Uzbekistan. It has over
500 staff, 29 Country Offices and five other technical centres. The Office’s goal is the attainment of the highest possible level of health for the almost 900 million people who live in the WHO European Region, and it works closely with member countries and partners to achieve this, with technical expertise and support on issues ranging from; communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, disease prevention, health determinants, health systems and public health to environment and health, life stages such as maternal health, information and evidence, and emergencies. Source: www.euro.who.int
WHO Kyrgyzstan: Dr, child and mother. Copyright Malin Bring
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
WFP Fighting hunger worldwide
man, woman and child has access at all times to the food needed for an active and healthy life. On average, WFP assists more than 90 million people in 80 countries every year, and is funded entirely by voluntary donations.
PLACING HUNGER ON THE MAP IN NORTHERN EUROPE The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. In emergencies WFP gets food to where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. After the cause of an emergency has passed, food is used to help communities rebuild their shattered lives. WFP pursues a vision of the world in which every
WFP’s Nordic Office in Copenhagen works to raise awareness of the key role of the organisation and its Nordic partners in fighting global hunger and under-nutrition. The Nordic Office is WFP’s window to the Nordic countries, strategically important partners and combined the 5th largest donor to WFP. The Nordic office also serves as liaison between the WFP headquarters in Rome, regional and country offices and partners in the Nordic countries. The main priority right
now is to raise awareness and funds to the extraordinary level of humanitarian need in the five emergencies classified as the highest level of crisis under the UN system – in the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and the Ebola-affected countries in West Africa.
UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
A LOW CARBON FUTURE IN UN CITY AND BEYOND
While the Partnership is more than two decades old, the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency was established in September 2013 and is part of the UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative; a global multi-stakeholder partnership between governments, the private sector, and civil society. UNEP DTU Partnership (formerly UNEP Risø Centre), is a leading international research and advisory institution comprising two Centres: Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development, and the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency. It boasts a team of more than 60 scientists and economists from 20 countries. UDP is part of the Department of Management Engineering at DTU. While the Partnership is more than two decades old, the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency, established in September 2013 is part of the UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative, a global multi-stakeholder partnership between governments, the private sector, and civil society. “Access by all to clean, efficient energy will be critical in promoting sustainable development while, at the same time, reducing humankind’s emissions footprint,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said at last year’s launch. “Our Sustainable Energy for All Initiative, ably led by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, aims to help jump-start this transition. I expect this hub (The Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency), supported by the UN Environment Programme, to stand at the center of our efforts to double the global rate of energy efficiency over the next 17 years,” the UN Secretary General went on to say.
THE CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE & NETWORK At the same time the Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN), the UN’s new global network for climate technology solu-
tions, which was launched in December 2013. The CTCN provides technical expertise and guidance on technologies that help developing countries generate cleaner energy and become more resilient to changing climates. The Centre is country-driven, meaning that its services are tailored to the requests of individual countries. Through its capacity building, networking and technology transfer services, the CTCN aims to increase investments in relevant climate technology projects and improve local innovation capacities. “Innovation is the engine of development, and replacing current technologies with cleaner, low-carbon alternatives is a vital part of tackling the causes and effects of climate change. The Climate Technology Centre and Network works to accelerate the use
of new technologies in improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in developing countries who are dealing with the impacts of climate change on a daily basis,” says Jukka Uosukainen, the CTCN’s Director. The Climate Technology Centre’s structure is a rather unique one, developed to capitalise on the strengths and comparative advantages of different UN organisations and other development partners. While the Centre is considered part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it is hosted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and 11 independent regional organisations with expertise in climate technologies. The Centre also collaborates with a network of technology-related academic, NGO and private sector partners to imple-
Denmark/ UN City will have a special fo-
from public transportation to sewage treat-
cus on supporting developing countries in
ment facilities, and from biodiversity moni-
achieving their ambitions in the area of EE.
toring to saving mangrove forests for coast-
Important lessons and experiences will be
al protection.
drawn from both developed countries and
ment technology solutions. By tapping this existing expertise and reducing overhead costs, the CTCN’s structure creates greater flexibility and sustainability in responding to developing country needs.
successful programmes in developing coun-
For example, Afghanistan, a mountain-
tries, which together will provide important
ous country with dry lands and frequent
examples and best practice approaches with
droughts, has experienced extreme weather
potential to be transferred and adapted to
changes, threatening crop production and
other developing countries. The Centre on
the supply of drinking water. It requested
Energy Efficiency will reach out and part-
the CTCN’s technical support to assess rel-
ner with relevant institutions and coordinate
evant climate-smart technologies that can
closely with the SE4ALL Global Facilitation
assist its agricultural sector adapt to climate
Team and the other regional and thematic
change effects and reduce greenhouse emis-
Hubs.
sions through the development of renewable energies. The Centre is working with Afghan-
HELPING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
From a CTCN perspective, developing coun-
istan’s environmental officials to identify the
tries are already making active use of their
country’s potential for generating renewa-
In conjunction with the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency, hosted at UN City,
CTCN’s services as well. Requests for sup-
ble energies, such as hydropower, solar and
port cover a broad range of climate action,
wind energy. Advertisement
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
WORK FOR THE
UNITED NATIONS
Are you a young student looking to make a global impact – why not consider an internship at UN City? Internships are a popular method of on-the-job training, frequently utilised by students and recent graduates to kick-start their professional careers. UN City offers internship programmes that encourage students and graduates alike
to experience the UN for themselves. We sit down with three such interns and discover why working at UN City is truly a unique experience.
well-researched manner – creating a better world in a sustainable way. This is why I chose the UN,” says Cecilie of her decision to apply for an internship at UN City.
Cecilie Risager is a 25-year-old master’s student, currently carrying out a 6-month internship with UN Women.
What do you enjoy most about your internship at the UN?
“I have always been interested in politics, in hearing people’s stories and wanting to help out people who need it, in an organised and
“I enjoy being included; being included in the meetings, the presentations, the conferences, and the writings. I have been a student for the vast majority of my life, and being an academic scholar is often about looking into how others
work. I love doing that, the analytical and evaluative work, but this internship has given me the chance to be a part of that work, which is gratifying on a completely different level.”
background to use,” she goes on to say.
Why would you recommend an internship at the UN? “It is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in a multicultur-
Why would you recommend an internship at the UN?
al environment. It is also a good place to understand the diversity of
Cecilie says that as an intern you apply to work full time for no salary, so the motivation for this job is purely educational. “It is a way to learn from the inside out, which is valuable because it enables you to become aware of the things you like and don’t like in a working environment. So it not only teaches you about the UN, but it also teaches you about yourself, and what you want to do in life,” she explains.
passionate about contributing to humanitarian efforts, the UN is a good
career paths within the field of international development. If you are place to jump-start your career.” Visit http://un.dk/en/internship for a list of current internships on offer at UN City.
Aurora Nilsen is a 26-year-old master’s student, currently carrying out a 4-month internship with UNFPA. “I believe that global collaboration is the only way to create a better world, and that growing up in Norway has given me an obligation to give back. After spending a year studying my master’s degree in the US, I was surprised at the major issues of gender inequality that I observed on a daily basis. It confirmed my passion for equal rights and hence, UNFPA’s mandate appealed to me in a special way,” explains Aurora of her decision to join the UN City internship programme.
How did you come to be an intern at the UN? “I was in the US looking for an internship to form part of my Master’s Degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. I regularly checked the UN City website and found the advertisement for the intern position at UNFPA Nordic Office, a few months in advance. I took my time writing my cover letter and resume. I got called in for a telephonic interview, which took place on my birthday! The day after, I got an e-mail and the dream internship was mine,” Aurora exclaims.
What do you enjoy most about your internship at the UN? Aurora enjoys being able to experience the daily routines of the organisation, “Especially in a place like the UN City where so many (ten) organisations are gathered at the same place. Having the opportunity to observe and also learn from all the inspiring people around me is truly motivational,” she says.
Rebecca Olsen is 26 years old, and is currently carrying out a 6-month internship with the UN City Public Diplomacy and Communications Office. “I believe that the UN is addressing some of the world’s most pressing social issues. Solving these problems may be difficult but I hope to contribute through the work that I’m doing,” motivates Rebecca as she explains why she chose the UN.
Why do you enjoy working at UN City? Rebecca says that she is enjoying her internship at UN City because she is given a variety of tasks to preform that are both challenging and rewarding. “Given that I am working with communications I am also exposed to a wide range of people on a daily basis, which helps me put my multilingual and multicultural
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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT
THE UN
AND THE EBOLA CRISIS The most severe epidemic of Ebola to have occurred to date is currently happening in West Africa and more suspected cases around the world are being investigated. With the threat of a worldwide epidemic, an effort to contain Ebola is crucial. Across various UN agencies different measures have been taken to help prevent the spreading of the disease, and to help infected persons. The outbreak has been declared an international emergency by the World Health Organization. According to WHO, the virus has as of the 16th of September 2014 claimed 2,461 lives in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with a few cases occurring in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Senegal. WHO is coordinating the medical response to the disease, while UNICEF and UNDP are reaching out to the local communities, mobilising and raising awareness on how to prevent infection. UNFPA is monitoring the spread of the disease and WFP is contributing to the effort with logistical support.
in a month this August, shipping 1,000 metric tonnes of aid supplies around the world. 248 metric tonnes of the aid was sent to Liberia and other West African countries in an effort to contain the Ebola outbreak. UNICEF has supplied items such as latex gloves, safety goggles, and overalls to protect health workers, concentrated chlorine disinfectant and a range of essential medicines.
The WHO has been monitoring the disease and its movement, and sharing this information to prepare for, contain and respond to Ebola outbreaks. They have also deployed experts and distributed health supplies such as personal protection gear for health workers, who are among those most at risk of infection. UNICEF has shipped a record amount of aid
UNDP is raising public awareness on the nature of the disease and protective health measures to control transmission of the virus through campaigns. They are also leading early recovery activities and is working to create livelihoods and implementing social protection mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable. UNFPA has been implementing responses at
the community level in order to contain the disease, with the help of governments and other partners. To make the response as quick and effective as possible, they have initiated a method called ‘contact tracing’ to track how and where cases of Ebola infections have occurred. UNFPA has also been sending supplies, including safe delivery kits to ensure good conditions for births in areas affected by Ebola. WFP has launched a regional emergency operation which will provide food assistance to around 1.3 million people in the three most affected countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The food is reaching people under medical quarantine, people under treatment, and their relatives. Source: UN City Copenhagen
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