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.