Nothing could have prepared us for the massive paradigm shift in the way we work, the way we live, the way we collaborate and thus how we as a Union represent you, the staff that are out there on the frontlines. Suddenly not just facing the “normal” stresses of everyday work and existence in some of the very hostile environments in which you work, but having to deal with lockdowns, no possibility for travel, the worry and fear for family and loved ones back home and all the other uncertainties that presented themselves.
Together, Leila, Liliya and I understood that we had our work cut out for ourselves. There was, however, another paradigm shift that had taken place. This was the reform that the UN Secretary-General had introduced, the implementation of his vision of a decentralized decision-making model, underpinned by the newly introduced “delegation of authority”. We recognized that this would fundamentally shift the way we as UNFSU executives had to operate, we understood that ensuring we have empowered and well-functioning UNFSU committees in the missions would become more and more important. We also recognized that as the UNFSU executive we needed to become more visible, better engaged with our entire constituency and with the leadership of the various missions.
Our vision which had been presented in the form of our manifesto, needed to accelerate and this is what we set out to do, I firmly believe that the vision we expressed then still stands and that building on that vision of being “Stronger Together” is the right path to follow for the next two years.
Further empowering our UNFSU committees in the missions, which we have already started by providing specific staff representational training, facilitated by a trade union specialist, sourced through the collaboration with our sister union FICSA, further exemplifies that we don’t just offer slogans, but we back them up by deeds.
Continuing to build bridges and collaborate with partners such as #NewWork that help facilitate positive changes and new ideas to how we can work better, more innovative and collaborative across the UN secretariat, thereby ensuring that voices from the field are heard and understood are crucial to help create an understanding that we need each other to make the work that the UN does successful. There shouldn’t be an HQ vs Field, or us vs them attitude, rather we should all embrace the motto that we are “Stronger Together”.
Going forward it is our intention to continue to advocate for the breaking down of silos and artificial barriers that hamper mobility, career progression and development. We want to see a UN that offers true equal opportunities, a “one-UN” that does not discriminate based on contractual arrangements, category of staff etc.
We have, in fact already submitted various proposals towards that aim, which we will present to you as well, and which we hope to gain some traction on in the years to come.
If ever there was a time in the history of the United Nations to significantly change the internal staffing structures and create a UN personnel system that is fit for the future, it is now! Failure to do so may very well challenge the relevance of the United Nations itself.
We hope that you will give us your trust and allow us to serve you for an additional two years to continue to work on your behalf to create the UN we want and the conditions of service that warrant the term, “model employer”.
In solidarity.
(Still) Stronger Together!
Vote for your future, vote Team Future.