Yoo Soon-taek, the wife of the Secretary-General; Ambassador Carsten Staur; Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Jan Mattsson, Executive Director of UNOPS

During the ceremony the Secretary-General also thanked the Government and people of Denmark for providing such a "magnificent building". "This is yet another reminder of Denmark's long tradition of strong support for the United Nations," Mr. Ban said.

UNOPS moved its headquarters from New York to Copenhagen in 2006 and now has around 150 staff working in the Danish capital supporting the organization's global operations. Earlier this year the Europe and Middle East Regional Office was also transferred to Copenhagen.

Addressing UNOPS staff the Secretary-General said: "UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.  I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world.

"UNOPS is setting countries on course to a more stable future by helping them to build roads, schools and clinics, to remove landmines, to prepare for democratic elections, and much else besides," he added.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Jan Mattsson, Executive Director of UNOPS

Mr. Ban said his visit to Copenhagen had been focused on climate change and the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference to be held in the city later this year. "When negotiators gather here in December, we need them to seal a deal on the way forward. But even before then, all of us can take steps to protect our planet. That is why I was so pleased to hear about the environmental projects UNOPS is carrying out, especially the 'Green Procurement' initiative."

Jan Mattsson, Executive Director of UNOPS said: "UNOPS is delighted to be in Copenhagen and grateful that the Danish Government has provided such generous support. A well-functioning headquarters ensures we can better support our staff in the field who are delivering services to people in need."

Among those attending the ceremony were Mrs. Ban, Ambassador Carsten Staur, representatives of the other five UN organizations with facilities in Copenhagen and members of the Secretary-General’s delegation.

Following the unveiling of a plaque Mr. Ban had a short tour of the building before meeting with representatives of UN organizations in Copenhagen.