SAMIR SANBAR

 

 


International Communications and Media Consultant

 

 

  • Served at the United Nations with five different Secretaries-Generals in various capacities including United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Department of Public Information

 

  • Implemented the appointment of women in all senior posts, substantially raising their level of representation to exceed 50 per cent, the first by a UN department.

 

  • Established United Nations presence on the Internet, with the launch of the UN Website (www.un.org) in June 1995.  By February, 1998, more than five million accesses per month to the site had been registered.

 

  • Organized and chaired the first and second UN World Television Forum at UN Headquarters, an unprecedented gathering of prominent communications and personalities from all regions and cultures, with a balance between representatives of public and private broadcasting.

 

  • Initiated a series of special gatherings, particularly among creative artists, communicators and public figures from all parts of the world to encourage dialogue among professionals and communications among cultures, with a focus on the impact of current issues on the quality and dignity of life.

 

  • Special Representative to head the UN Observer Mission to Verify the Referendum in Eritrea, which became a UN member state in May 1993.

 

 

  • Served as Director of the United Nations Information Centres (68 centres around the world) in the Department of Public Information from 1987 to 1993.  Chief, United Nations Centres Services from 1982 to 1987.  Undertook special assignments for the Secretary-General.

 

  • Served as Secretary of its Board of Trustees of the UN Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR).

 

  • Before joining the UN, worked as a columnist and journalist in international media.

 

  • Script writer of television documentaries and radio programmes.

 

  • Author of several publications including two books of short stories.

 

 

Board Memberships

 

 

  • Member and Chairman, United Nations Appointment and Promotions Board, from September 1986 through May 1996.

 

  • Chairman, Joint United Nations Information Committee (JUNIC) 1996 – 1998.

 

  • Chairman, United Nations Staff Recreation Council 1996 – 1998.

 

  • Member, Board of Directors, UN International School 1994 – 1996.

 

  • Member, Board of Directors, Dag Hammarskjold Tower.

 

  • Member, Board of Directors, The International Council of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.