Staff members from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) thanked United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his support in rebuilding the organization’s headquarters, an icon of modern Latin American architecture, after an earthquake that affected central and southern Chile in February 2010. Ban Ki-moon visited Santiago on an official mission from February 26 to March 1.
During his third official visit to Chile, Mr. Ban participated in a high-level event organized by UN Women and Chile’s government, and his agenda included a town-hall meeting at ECLAC’s headquarters, which was attended by officials from the fifteen United Nations agencies, programs and funds that have offices in Chile.
ECLAC’s Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena unveiled an engraved plaque dedicated to the Secretary-General, in which all staff members thank his support after the 2010 earthquake in Chile.
“When I came in 2010, I was struck by the amount of damage the building had suffered. Now, five years later, I am very happy to see that it is completely rebuilt,” said the Secretary-General, who was welcomed by Alicia Bárcena and the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Chile, Antonio Molpeceres. Susana Malcorra, the SG's Chef de Cabinet, also participated in the meeting.
In appreciation for his support, Ricardo Jordán, president of the Association of ECLAC Officials, gave Ban Ki-moon a book about the history of the building, designed by architect Emilio Duhart and inaugurated in 1966. Meanwhile, Andrea Henrichsen, director of ECLAC’s Division of Administration, showed images of the remodeling and the changes made to the facilities.
The Secretary-General also encouraged staff members to work with efficiency and determination to promote peace, security, development and human rights in Latin America and the Caribbean. He emphasized that 2015 is a crucial year for the future of the planet because in the coming months negotiations will conclude on the contents of the development agenda to 2030.
