HL Deb 21 February 2005 vol 669 cc153-4WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking to ensure that the United Nations establishes a briefing and training facility for new and potential special representatives of the Secretary-General and any United Nations mediators. [HL1234]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The UK has welcomed the high level panel's attention on the crucial issue of improving the quality of mission leadership, including special representatives and mediators. The UK believes there is a need for more effective and transparent selection processes for United Nations (UN) senior mission leaders, better training once leaders have been appointed, and a UN leadership development programme for the leaders of the future.

The UK has already supported the development of leadership training for UN peacekeeping missions and is actively pursuing consideration of the proposals in the high-level panel report in conjunction with the UN and other partners.