FAO Bangladesh bids farewell to Representative - PDF document

FAO Bangladesh bids farewell to Representative After one and a half years as FAO R epresentative in Bangladesh, Dominique Burgeon has left Dhaka and returned to headquarters in Rome, where he has accepted the position of new Director of FAO’s Emergency and Rehabilitation Division (TCE). Mr. Burgeon joined FAO in 1994 . A s FAO Representative in Bangladesh, he overs aw one of the largest country programmes of the Organization - an apt appointment for the challenging task of managing TCE . Indeed, Mr. Burgeon’s new assignment be g ins during a period of major change within the Technical Cooperation Department as a whole , as part of a strategic internal reform process launched by Director - General José Graziano da Silva upon taking office in Ja nuary 2012. In TCE this includes the decentralization of responsibilities for the management of emergency activities and the integration of emergency and development programmes . FAO as a whole is shifting away from the concept of emergency relief to one of building resilience to threats and crises, particularly for small - scale farmers who bear the brunt of emergency situations caused by both weather and human - related events. Ultimately, Mr. Burgeon’s experience in Bangladesh has reinforced the personal and institutional commitment to the critical importance of ensuring people ’ s capacity to anticipate, absorb, and rec over from disasters and crises a s a fundamental precondition to social and economic stability and development . Bangladesh is in fact one of the world’s most vulnerab le countries to climate change and natural disasters. H ome to the most densely populated flood - plain delta in the world, Bangladesh is acutely aware of the impacts that the increased frequency and intensity of natural calamities can ha ve on its people and economy. As FAO Representative, Mr. Burgeon was highly respected and appreciated at all levels, including among government, donor community, development partners, and, in particular, among the staff of the FAO Bangladesh country progr amme. In a farewell party organized by the country office earlier this month, more than 150 staff saluted Mr. Burgeon and wished him much success in his new role. Additionally, a formal dinner was organized by the Government of Bangladesh on November 19 th , including the participation of numerous ministers and ambassadors from the diplomatic community. Pending arrival of the designated successor, Ms. Rosanne Marchesich, Deputy FAO Representative, will assume charge of the Bangladesh Country Office as acting FAO Representative. Mr. Burgeon will be missed by all in Bangladesh ; at the same time the staff take this opportunity to congratulate him on his new appointment, wishing him and his family much success and well - being in the new duty station. Outgoing FAO Representative Dominique Burgeon surrounded by staff at farewell party. Mr. Burgeon at a farewell dinner organized by the Government of Bangladesh in his honor.