UNDSS+Newsletter+2016+October

UNDSS
YOUR SAFETY, YOUR SECURITY, OUR PRIORITY
USG Offi ce
MES S AGE FROM USG PETER DRENNAN
It is time for the quarterly newsletter and a good opportunity for me to catch up with you on some key issues, so welcome
to the October 2016 newsletter!
The security environment continues to be highly volatile and challenging, making the work of the Department and its
staff even more relevant and critical. This makes it timely for us to reflect on some of the implications of these security
challenges on our staff and the delivery of UN programmes.
In August, we held a ceremony to remember our twenty fallen colleagues during the thirteenth anniversary of the
Canal Hotel bombing in Iraq. This is a strong reminder for us on how these attacks aim to force the UN and its staff to
leave countries and people in crises, and of how important it is for us to “stay and deliver”. At the same time, we need
to recognize the good work of our staff in field who are key to enabling the delivery of UN programmes. I have always
been, and will remain to be, highly appreciative of all UNDSS staff who are the forefront of our efforts in helping the
UN deliver on its priorities. It’s thanks to our efforts and dedication that humanitarian programmes are delivered in
countries like Syria, South Sudan, Yemen, Iraq and Somalia, to name a few.
Related to this, I would like to mention that the Department recently finalized the Secretary-General’s report on safety
and security of humanitarian personnel and the protection of UN personnel. The report, which will be published in
October, includes an analysis of emerging security trends and implications for staff as well as the additional requirements
needed for the UN to be able to respond to the rising demand for security services.
The expectations of what UN security can do and deliver is continuously increasing. I’m fully aware of the challenges
and demands placed on the Department to enable the UN to do its important work. These cause us to reflect on why the
Department exists and the importance of our Vision (protecting the people who work for a better world) and our Mission
(provide professional safety and security services to enable the United Nations to deliver its programmes globally). We
also need to remember those things that are important to us: being effective, efficient, excellent and ethical in our work;
focusing on solutions and being innovative; developing a culture that values security; ensuring we are value-driven;
responding to our clients and stakeholders needs; continual learning; communicating effectively and valuing gender and
diversity in our workforce.
I also want to update you on the steady progress we are making on the UN Secretariat Safety and Security Integration
Project (UNSSSIP). In this newsletter there is an interesting article by Paul Farrell (Chief Project Officer of UNSSSIP) on
“Making Integration Work in the DRC”, that provides insights into the practical application of Integration in the field.
We’re going to share more communications on the UNSSSIP in the coming months and I encourage you to read these
articles.
Another key priority of the Department, on which we’ve made good progress, is the Human Resources’ Strategy to guide
the career development of all DSS staff. I will share this Human Resources’ Strategy with you in the coming months.
Last but not least, during the week of the 71st General Assembly at UN HQ in New York, I took the opportunity to
meet many Special Envoys, SRSGs and Senior Officials to highlight the important work of the Department and the key
priorities that we continue to pursue. These senior officials consistently praised the excellent work done by UNDSS. This
is a great source of pride for me and us all.
Overall, the work of the Department remains very much on track. This is clearly recognized and commended by other
UN Departments and entities with whom I meet regularly. It is our commitment and dedication in protecting the
people who work for a better world and help the UN deliver its programmes that makes DSS a strong and respected
Department. I thank all of you for your sustained hard work and your efforts in making this Department the success it
is today.
Sincerely,
Peter
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