Distinguished Council Members, Friends and Colleagues,
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening to colleagues joining us from across our field missions and duty stations around the world.
It is my honor and privilege to open the 33rd meeting of the United Nations Field Staff Union Council. I warmly welcome all Council members and colleagues who have taken the time to participate in this important gathering.
The Council meeting represents one of the most important moments in the governance of our Union. It provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the work accomplished over the past year, assess the challenges that lie ahead, and collectively determine the priorities that will guide our advocacy on behalf of field-based staff.
Our Union represents thousands of dedicated United Nations personnel serving in some of the most complex and demanding environments around the world. These colleagues continue to demonstrate exceptional commitment to the ideals of the United Nations, often under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. It is our responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard and that their rights, welfare, and professional interests are protected.
Comrades,
We are meeting at a time of significant uncertainty within the United Nations system. The Organization is facing serious financial pressures, evolving operational mandates, and ongoing discussions on reform initiatives that may have profound implications for staff across the system, particularly those serving in the field.
Yet even in the midst of these challenges, there are important examples that demonstrate what can be achieved when field representatives work together with the Union’s leadership in a spirit of collaboration and determination.
Over the past year, despite the closure and downsizing of several missions, the Union has worked closely with field staff committees to preserve and protect the employment of hundreds of colleagues. Through coordinated advocacy and engagement with management, over 400 staff positions were saved across missions undergoing downsizing or transition.
In BINUH, thanks to the strong collaboration between the local Field Staff Union Committee and the Executive, we were able to retain almost all support staff and successfully transition them into the newly established mission, UNSOH. This was not simply an administrative outcome, it was the result of active engagement, persistent advocacy, and collective action.
In UNSMIL, all international staff were successfully retained. Thanks to the leadership of SRSG Teteh and collaborative work of our FSU committee led by Maurizio Galata.
In MINUSCA, the impact on staff was significantly minimized compared to what was initially anticipated. Again, thanks to the proactive work of the FSU led by chairman Caesar.
In MINURSO, the impact was purely on section chiefs and not FS category staff.
In UNMISS, a number of staff members were also retained following careful examination and engagement regarding the transition processes.
These results clearly demonstrate an important lesson: when field representatives collaborate closely with the Executive, we can achieve tangible results for staff.
Comrades,
At a time when the global outlook for the Organization may appear uncertain, the UNFSU itself stands as an important exception.
Today, the United Nations Field Staff Union is the fastest-growing union within the entire UN staff representation system. Our membership continues to expand, and our credibility across the system continues to strengthen.
Equally important, the financial foundation of the Union has strengthened significantly. Over the past period, our financial base has grown from approximately $13,000 to nearly $20,000. This growth reflects both increased membership engagement and improved organizational management.
These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of collective effort, dedication, and strong leadership.
I would like to recognize the contributions of those who have played a key role in these accomplishments.
First, I would like to acknowledge the work of our previous Vice Presidents, particularly Paul Smith, whose experience and commitment have contributed greatly to the work of the Union.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to our Administrative Officer, Ms. Rosa Colucci, who quite simply keeps the system running. Rosa, your professionalism, consistency, and dedication behind the scenes ensure that the work of the Union continues smoothly every day. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your unwavering support.
I would also like to welcome and thank our new Vice Presidents, Carine Lucas and Riccardo Maia, who have truly hit the ground running.
Their contributions have already been felt at both the Federation level and within the Staff-Management Committee, where they have represented field staff with professionalism and determination.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to my predecessor, Mark Polane, who has now retired, for his many years of dedicated service and commitment to the Union.
Finally, I would like to thank all Council members and Field Staff Union representatives who have worked closely with the Executive over the past year. These results were only possible because of your collaboration and commitment.
Thanks to this collective effort, the UNFSU today is stronger internally and increasingly respected across the broader UN staff representation system.
Comrades,
While we should recognize these achievements, we must also remain focused on the work ahead.
The coming period will require continued engagement on critical issues affecting staff, including staff selection policies, the protection of allowances and entitlements, and broader institutional reforms that may impact field operations and staffing structures.
Our responsibility is clear: to ensure that the voice of field staff remains strong, credible, and present wherever decisions affecting our colleagues are being made.
The UNFSU was founded on the principles of solidarity and collective representation. Those principles remain as important today as they were when the Union was first established.
The strength of our Union lies in our unity. It is rooted in the willingness of colleagues across missions to work together, stand together, and defend the interests of the staff we represent.
Let me be clear! Our Council is not divided, and as an Executive, we will never allow anyone to hide behind the Council to sow division.
While we may at times hold different opinions, as is natural in any representative body, our shared commitment to staff welfare keeps us united.
During my visits to missions in the field, I consistently feel and witness this spirit of solidarity. It reaffirms that our Council remains strong, cohesive, and dedicated to serving the interests of all staff.
During this Council meeting, we will review reports, deliberate on key policy matters, and discuss strategic priorities for the period ahead.
I encourage all participants to engage constructively, share their perspectives openly, and work together in the spirit of collaboration that defines our Union.
Let us continue to build on the progress that has been made and remain committed to advancing the welfare, dignity, and professional interests of United Nations personnel serving across field operations.
Together, we will continue strengthening the voice of field staff and ensuring that their contributions to the mission of the United Nations are properly recognized and supported, as this is the only way we can keep the situation under control.
I wish all participants a productive and successful Council meeting.
Thank you, and God bless the United Nations.