United Nations: United Nations N Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today broke ground here to kick off a major five-year renovation of the 60-year-old UN headquarters complex.

The ceremony on the lawns of the building also signalled the beginning of the construction of temporary building where the conferences will be held during the period of renovation.

The renovated building will be greener and energy efficient. It will consume less electricity and water, Ban said speaking on the occasion. He said all harmful materials that were used in the construction of the original building would be removed.

Thousands of the UN staff members would start relocating in several facilities across the city and its suburbs towards the end of this year.

The General Assembly building, which is separated from the Secretariat building, is not scheduled for renovation until 2011.

Representatives of member States, staff and host country joined Ban in the ground breaking ceremony for the renovation process called "Capital Master Plan."

Ban agreed the renovation would create some difficulties in the functioning as the offices will spread over but expressed confidence that it would not hinder the basic work of the UN  creating a safer, more just and peaceful world.

Source : PTI