JULY 15, 2019

UN Photo of Valeria Robecco by Mark Garten

UN Photo/Mark Garten

The U.N. Correspondents Association (UNCA) issued its new Directory at a reception initially planned for outdoors but shifted to the General Assembly lobby to avert inclement weather.

2019 UNCA Directory snapshot

When its President, Valeria Robecco of Italian News Agency ANSA welcomed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, she took the opportunity to call for serious efforts to protect reporters on risky missions worldwide. Welcoming the occasion, Mr. Guterres, who was accompanied by his competent Chef de Cabinet Ms. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, and his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, highlighted the media and the courage to cover conflicts in clearly risky areas (see the full statement in press release, click here).

The Directory lists the members of its Executive Committee, its members at large, and all accredited correspondents with their related contacts. Helpfully it also lists Permenant Representatives of all missions and observers together with their media contact officials. International organizations, NGOs and others are also listed, together with a galaxy of photos displaying social and professional occasions.

While the directory is practically very helpful, it is equally crucial to link it with the related role of a free and varied press and the sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice given by reporters within and across borders.