21 June 2006 - Dr Maria Hohn-Berghorn, Head of the Department of International Affairs at the City of Bonn, paid an inaugural visit to the CMS Secretariat this morning. CMS had resumed work earlier this week following the move from Haus Carstanjen. CMS Executive Secretary Robert Hepworth once again acknowledged the contribution of the Lady Mayor of Bonn, Bärbel Dieckmann, in supporting the CMS Family in Bonn.

The involvement of the City of Bonn in activities of UN Agencies in Bonn and possible support to facilitate contacts for the CMS Secretariat with potential partners were on the agenda. Mr. Hepworth explained plans for CMS events in Bonn later this year, and the opportunities for the City to take part, for example in supporting “Friends of CMS”, a donors meeting in October, and a major marine mammal campaign in 2007. Ms. Hohn Berghorn promised to explore possibilities of joining the campaign. She also offered support from the City of Bonn in publicizing the new CMS intern scheme and CMS publicity at schools.

The meeting was held in the new exhibition area of the Secretariat. The visitor showed great interest in the present exhibition showing watercolours on migratory animals provided by students of Bonn International School at Biodiversity Day. A unique artwork in the exhibition area by Günther Ueker, a contemporary and famous German artist captured the attention of the representative of the City of Bonn. The work was commissioned for the former Bundeshaus offices. Besides the excellent equipment of the offices this is another highlight of the privileged venue of the UN Campus.