Under Secretary Sheeran: Travel to Norway, France, and Italy

In each country, the Under Secretary met with her counterparts and leaders on the UN high panel on these issues. She also explored ways to deepen and broaden our partnership on a range of key economic issues, including development assistance, trade and global energy security.

"The world needs an effective, credible, transparent United Nations to help lead multilateral efforts in humanitarian aid and development assistance," said Under Secretary Sheeran. "While much good work has been done, much more could be done to improve coherence and effectiveness. My goal on this panel is to make recommendations that would restore the UN as an institution of trust. I look forward to working with my Panel colleagues in accomplishing this goal."

While in Oslo, Under Secretary Sheeran met with Norwegian Prime Minister Stoltenberg, with government counterparts, and with private sector energy representatives.[More on Visit to Norway]

In Paris, the Under Secretary discussed UN issues with Director General Jean-Michel Severino, of the French Development Agency and fellow Panel members, Sheeran and Severino will hold a roundtable with French civil groups involved in humanitarian and development work. She will also meet with International Energy Agency Director Claude Mandil to discuss global energy security. [More on Visit to France]

In Rome, Under Secretary Sheeran attended a UN consultative meeting focused on the role of the UN in helping countries transition from relief to development. She will also discuss the role of innovation and competition in economic growth with private sector leaders.[More on Visit to Italy]

"All of these issues – from United Nations reform to energy security to development assistance – require multilateral attention and support," said Under Secretary Sheeran. " I look forward to mutually constructive conversations as I go through Europe that I’m confident will help move all these issues forward."