Delivered in 1997, UN House was officially inaugurated by Secretary General Kofi Annan in February 1998. It is the headquarters of several UN regional and local agencies, in particular the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). It also houses the World Bank permanent Beirut office. This intelligent building comprises 43,000 sq m (463,000 sq ft) of floor space including offices, library and language lab facilities, a conference center, storage, parking and retail space. A sample of the quality standards expected in Beirut city center, UN House consecrates the district as a focal point for regional and international activity. Important conferences are held there throughout the year.