Remarks by the President of the General Assembly
Mr. Philemon Yang
Opening of the ninety-ninth session of the International Civil Service Commission
Tuesday, 18 March 2025,
(As delivered)
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning,
Thank you for the opportunity to address you, the International Civil Service Commission.
As an integral component of the United Nations system, the Commission unites international civil servants under a common framework:
streamlining operations,
enhancing efficiency, and
fostering coordination across the United Nations common system.
As the Commission convenes for its ninety-ninth session, it does so in a landmark year, one marking half a century of service.
Over the past five decades, the Commission’s membership has expanded significantly, encompassing 28 organizations.
It stands as an authoritative body for thousands of international civil servants spread across the entire globe and working on diverse issues.
Indeed, the Commission’s work regulates our common system, setting the standards of conduct, and formulating policies on remuneration and benefits.
It also establishes recruitment criteria to ensure that only the most qualified personnel are selected, in line with Article 101 of the United Nations Charter.
Moreover, the Commission plays a crucial role in facilitating mobility across the United Nations system.
By harmonising conditions of service and promoting equitable treatment, it enables staff to transition between organizations, strengthening the United Nation’s capacity to respond effectively to global challenges.
Excellencies,
Dear colleagues,
As we embark on this session, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Commission’s mission to uphold the highest standards of integrity, competence, and efficiency within the United Nations system.
In doing so, we strengthen the international civil service as a cornerstone of our collective efforts to advance peace, security, and human rights worldwide.
Thank you.
Media Contacts
Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org
Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 3614990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org
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