AFICS, since its inception in 1970, has played a vital role in advising former civil servants and representing their interests in the United Nations system.

We are facing acute challenges in many corners of the globe. From all corners, eyes turn to the United Nations to be present and to respond to crises, natural disasters and political upheaval. United Nations personnel continue to operate in increasingly high-risk areas (such as in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Mali, Somalia, Syria to name but a few), where security threats remain an ongoing problem. I would like take this opportunity to pay tribute to our colleagues who have lost their lives in the service of the United Nations. In view of these unabated security challenges and threats, the United Nations security management system continues to refine its operations. 

As you may be aware, emergency preparedness and support to survivors and families affected by malicious acts, natural disasters, emergencies and other critical incidents continues to remain a priority for the Organization. We have introduced a number of additional support measures for staff, survivors and families, such as enhanced counselling services, improved case management to expedite compensation and claim settlement, and an outreach campaign towards staff and families to prepare for emergencies. 

Over the last 18 months, we have also embarked on an extensive exercise on the revision of Appendix D to the Staff Rules (governing service incurred compensation) which will be presented to the 70th session of the General Assembly. The revision addresses a number of concerns which had been brought to our attention, as well as updating and modernising the compensation provisions.  As an integral member of the United Nations family, a community of survivors has also been established online to facilitate interaction amongst each other and with the Organisation, as well as receive information on latest developments on support to family and survivors.

It is the hard work and dedication of our most important resource, our staff, which allows us to respond to these challenges. The progressive implementation of Inspira, Umoja and IPSAS is modernizing our business processes and creating a more standardized way of working across all duty stations.  The launch of the mobility and career development framework early next year will move us towards a more structured approach to staffing our global operations. 

Turning to Pension Fund related matters, the Secretary-General takes his fiduciary responsibility very seriously in order to safeguard the pension entitlements for beneficiaries who have served the Organization with dedication for many years. You may recall in April, the CdC’s townhall meeting was held in order to respond to concerns and anxieties expressed by many of our staff members and retirees on matters related to the Pension Fund.

With respect to the revised MOU between the Fund and OHRM, significant effort had been undertaken to prepare a new MOU that outlines the flexibilities required in respect of certain aspects of the UN’s human resources policies. The MOU is in the final stages of clearance, following which consultations will be held with the staff representatives. The MOU defines in a clear manner exceptions to certain UN human resources policies in the areas of selection, mobility and retention in service for the staff of the Fund. It does not change the structure of the Fund or the authorities of the CEO and RSG. The revisions will have no effect on your pension benefits.

With respect to draft financial rules, the process of careful examination and consultations with all stakeholders are being undertaken. The draft financial rules are being reviewed by both external and internal auditors (BOA and OIOS) as well as the OLA.

Any decisions on human resources policies or the financial rules governing the administrative and financial operations of the UNJSPF will be taken with a view to ensuring they are best suited to meet the operational and investment needs of the Fund.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your commitment to the United Nations and for your continued engagement with the United Nations community.