During his talk, the director paid tribute to the inspired and dedicated work of Abdus Salam and Paolo Budinich and the generosity of the Italian government. The Adriatico Guesthouse's Lower Level 1 has received a major facelift that not only puts the area in compliance with all safety regulations but makes better use of the floor space. The Main Lecture Room has a new improved look and a small room has been built behind it for additional classroom and meeting space. Computer jacks have been added to all meeting rooms for direct access to the Centre's electronic resources and world wide web. Meanwhile, the Galileo Guesthouse has been re-wired.
Computer connections are now available in each room.
He was 89. Swedish-born Eklund was appointed director general just one year after IAEA received the first formal proposal for the creation of an international centre for theoretical physics. Thanks to Eklund's persistent yet low-keyed pressure, in February 1963 IAEA's board of governors agreed to turn the concept into reality. Trieste, however, was not the only city hoping to host the new centre. Trieste won the competition thanks to the Italian government's generosity and the advice of Eklund and members of the site selection committee.