9th July 2009 marked the end of an era for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Libya, and a new crossroads in its history, as it bade farewell to its Resident Representative, Mr. Brian Gleeson, with a reception held at UN House.

Despite taking weeks of preparation, Gleeson’s astonishment was clearly visible as he entered the event, as UNDP staff had organized the reception as a surprise farewell. After a career in UNDP Libya that was punctuated not only by a major restructuring of the UNDP Libya office and enhanced programme and partnership development, but also by a greater emphasis on creating a warmer, friendlier office atmosphere, as well as an award and prize system for high performing staff, his UNDP colleagues thought it fitting to organize his leaving ceremony themselves, and in secret.

In addition to the UNDP Libya office, 60 UN Libya colleagues, from the 9 other resident agencies in Libya (UNHCR, IOM, FAO, UNDESA, WHO, WFP, UNHABITAT, UNIC, UNODC) as well as the UN Resident Coordinator’s office, attended the reception to display their gratitude for his inspirational and dynamic leadership. Invitations were also extended to senior government officials and members of the diplomatic community, who have worked closely with Gleeson over the past year and a half.

The farewell reception was opened by Mr. Ramanathan Balakrishnan, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative. His speech was followed by those of Mr. Mohammed Alwash, Chief of Mission at UNHCR, Mr. Laurence Hart, Chief of Mission at IOM and UN Headquarters. The UNDP Staff Association closed the speech ceremony by thanking him for his guidance and his inspirational commitment to UNDP’s goals and mandates.

A slide show was presented of his finest moments at UN in Libya, and farewell mementos were offered by staff members. His departure was marked in true Libyan style, with a traditional Zukra performance and the entrance of members of the Maghreb Youth Union wearing traditional Libyan dress.

Amongst the guests of honour were Mr. Omar Salem, Director of General Water Authority, Dr. Salem Adam, Executive Director of Anti-Mines Assocation. The British Ambassador to Libya, Sir Vincent Fean, and the American Ambassador to Libya, Mr. Gene Cretz, also attended. This high turn-out reflected Gleeson’s noteworthy success in maintaining and extending UNDP Libya’s partnerships, providing the office with a wealth of opportunity to explore novel projects.

An enduring theme, echoed throughout the farewell reception, was that people’s respect for Mr. Gleeson extended beyond his role as a boss and a leader for the UN system. He has proved a mentor for many, offering them support and career guidance, as well as a great friend. He is family man and those who know him well will also have met his wife, Ghada, and young son, Jusef, who also be sorely missed by his colleagues and companions.

All of the staff at UNDP Libya, as well as his colleagues at UN, wish him the best of luck in his unique opportunity to serve in his home country’s government. As the UNDP staff association highlighted, Gleeson “is not afraid to push for change, nor does he give up easily on what he believes is right. I think that in his new position, his compassion and his determination will see him attain great successes.” Gleeson has certainly made his mark on UNDP Libya.