https://unfsu.org/2025/04/18/un80-initiative-and-ongoing-changes-in-the-un/
Last week, as President of the Field Staff Union (FSU), I had the privilege, alongside my two Vice Presidents, Ms. Jackline Omondi and Mr. Paul Smith, of attending the XIII Staff-Management Committee (SMC) meeting ...held in Vienna.
Last week, as President of the Field Staff Union (FSU), I had the privilege, alongside my two Vice Presidents, Ms. Jackline Omondi and Mr. Paul ...
unfsu.orgDear Friends & Colleagues,
A few weeks ago, we participated in the 99th Session of the ICSC Meeting held in New York. During this session, we deliberated on a wide range of issues impacting your conditions of service. Please click the one minute video link: ...https://youtu.be/LCczSC6OTsQ?si=I4S68koiXJvIWPpo
In light of the ongoing liquidity crisis, achieving a positive outcome meant safeguarding our existing entitlements. I am pleased to inform you that we did our utmost to defend your interests and successfully advocated to the Commissioners and Member State Representatives for the maintenance of the status quo. We remain steadfast in our commitment to representing and defending your rights and welfare.
During these challenging financial times for our organization, unity and solidarity are more important than ever. It is by standing together that we can best protect our collective interests.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the hundreds of staff members who have subscribed as dues-paying members of the FSU. Your support strengthens our collective voice and enables us to continue advocating effectively on your behalf.
To the few international staff members who have not yet joined, we warmly encourage you to do so by clicking the link below and becoming a dues-paying member. It’s just $10 a month, and every contribution truly makes a difference: https://unfsu1.eu1.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhC8iaoEwVi3vqKblmTlHHH_RijSLGgE7yRu0FfgCQIN45SbeJD7ETU4H7CRydbMi0I*
https://unfsu.org/2025/03/25/unfsu-council-2025-opening-remarks-mr-milan-dawoh/
The opening remarks made by Mr. Milan Dawoh to the UNFSU Council at their annual meeting that took place in March 2025.
unfsu.orgDear Friends and Colleagues,
As the holy month of Ramadan begins tomorrow, we extend our warmest wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters.
May this sacred time bring you reflection, spiritual growth, and an abundance of blessings. May your prayers be heard, your fasts be easy, ...and your heart be filled with gratitude and peace.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Best regards,
Milan Victor Dawoh
President-United Nations Field Staff Union (UNFSU)
Mr. Milan Dawoh, the Staff Unions Representative, addressing the Fifth Committee at the resumed 79th session.
Visit of the UNFSU President to UNVMC - Colombia 3rd – 4th February, 2025
From the 3rd – 4th February, 2025, the FSU President made a Mission visit to the staff of UNVMC in Colombia. During the visit, he held one-on-one meetings with the staff, held a Town Hall for all staff, and ...concluded by meeting with the SRSG and the Senior Management Team of UNVMC.
During his meeting with SRSG Carlos Ruiz of Colombia, the FSU President (Milan Victor Dawoh) conveyed the sentiments of the staff of UNVMC and proposed a joint staff management solution that will boost the morale of the staff in that mission. The SRSG welcomed the proposal of the UNFSU President and promised to address all the issues raised.
The approval ratings from the UNVMC Staff and the global international staff on this current FSU Executive, is extremely high. The staff are very pleased with the work of this current executive and they feel very proud to be associated with the UNFSU. Hence the reason for the unprecedented number of monthly contributions to the FSU.
Continue to trust the process, everything will be under control.
Best regards,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw7y8_TTzng
My Dear Friends and Colleagues of the United Nations, as we come to the end of this year 2024, and start the new year in 2025, on behalf of the UNFSU Executive, I want to express my profound gratitude to all our gallant UN Staff around the ...world.
This year has been a challenging year for our organization and for our staff, especially with the conflicts in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. This executive is deeply concerned about your welfare in those affected areas. There may be plenty of reasons to despair due to the political divides, downsizing and the liquidity crises.
Despite the negativities, this executive has successfully worked with management in helping over four hundred of our colleagues from downsizing missions in MINUSMA, UNITAMS, & UNITAD, and we are closely working with Management on the unfolding situation in Syria and Lebanon and the upcoming downsizing in UNAMI in 20225.
History has shown us that the greatest asset of this organization is the Staff. Without you, there will be no United Nations. I therefore implore that as we start the new year in 2025, please do not relent in your contributions towards the functionality, growth, and relevance of the United Nations.
Once again, on behalf of the UNFSU Executive: Vice President Jackline Omondi, Vice President Paul Smith, Ms. Rosa Colucci, I want to want to wish you all a happy end of years celebrations, and prosperous new year in advance. And to our Christians Brothers and sisters, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!
Thank you and God Bless the United Nations.
For the remaining few staff members who have not done so yet, we encourage you to please click this link and become due paying member. It’s just $10 a month: UNFSU ONLINE CONTRIBUTION FORM >>>>
https://unfsu1.eu1.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhC8iaoEwVi3vqKblmTlHHH_RijSLGgE7yRu0FfgCQIN45SbeJD7ETU4H7CRydbMi0I*
Thanks,
Milan Victor Dawoh
UN DAY MESSAGE from FSU EXECUTIVE
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Please click the link for the video message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULCdl9StiZ4
Today we celebrate the 79th anniversary of our organization (the United Nations), which also coincides with our one ...year anniversary as the executive of the UN Field Staff Union. On this occasion, and in a live broadcast, our two vice presidents, (Ms. Jackline Omondi and Vice President Paul Smith), briefed the staff on the activities of the UNFSU executive during the past year.
As you have heard from our two Vice presidents, we have saved hundreds of jobs and for the first time, we have invested your monthly contributions in share certificates with UNFCU.
We want to thank the hundreds of staff members who have subscribed as due paying members to the UNFSU and encourage the few international staff members who have not done so yet, to please click this link and become due paying members: UNFSU ONLINE CONTRIBUTION FORM .
We dedicate this day to All UN Staff Members around the World who continue to fly the blue flag of the United Nations as a banner of hope to mankind.
As we shine a light on this milestone anniversary, and in line with our Secretary General’s call for a Cease Fire in the Middle East, Sudan, Rosia & Ukraine, let us reaffirm our commitment to a better and brighter future for all, where everything will be under control.
Please click the link for the video message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULCdl9StiZ4
And I want to encourage the few international staff members who have not done so yet, to please click this link and become due paying members: UNFSU ONLINE CONTRIBUTION FORM . It’s just $10 a month.
Finally, on behalf of my executive, I want to thank you very much for the overwhelming support you have given us during this first year of our mandate. Continue to trust the process, everything will be under control.
Thank you very much and God Bless the United Nations.
UNFSU Executive
UN DAY MESSAGE FROM THE - UNFSU EXECUTIVE TO UN STAFF AROUND THE WORLD: 24-10-2024
www.youtube.comPlease find attached a link to the summary of activities carried out by the FSU Executive during the past month.
A summary of activities carried out by the FSU Executive during the past month.
unfsu.orgDear Friends and Colleagues,
Important Broadcast from the UNFSU-President, please click the link: https://youtu.be/l5lgQ7xpWeg?si=-39U7v2SELhVBrZI
Few weeks ago, the FSU executive visited some of our missions that are currently facing downsizing in Africa and the Middle East. We ...visited the following Missions: MONUSCO, RSCE, UNSOS/UNSOM, UNITAMS, MINUSMA -Liquidation, UNITAD and UNAMI.
On behalf of the FSU executive, we wish to express our profound gratitude to all the above-mentioned missions’ management and staff representatives for the excellent support given to us during our Mission visit. We are currently working on all the concerns you raised during our visit. The placement of our colleagues from downsizing missions is our top priority.
Since we took over nine months ago, we have managed to secure several positions, and placed over 300 staff from downsizing missions. We want to thank all Heads of Entities, DOS, OHR, Hiring Managers, DMS, CMS and HR staff from various missions who supported us during this process. I also want to thank my two vice presidents, in particular Ms. Jackline Omondi who has been working round the clock to recommend our colleagues from downsizing missions. We will continue to support all staff without prejudice.
I am also pleased to report that, we now have more people subscribing as due paying members than in any other time in the history of the UNFSU. This is a clear manifestation of the confidence the staff have reposed in our leadership. I want to encourage the few international staff members who have not done so yet, to please click this link and become due paying members: UNFSU ONLINE CONTRIBUTION FORM . It’s just $10 a month:
Finally, my attention has been drawn to a message on Veva, let me take this opportunity to clarify the air:
1. Please note that the FSU is not aware of any staff member who has been a subject of an investigation, which is why the document that was published, was immediately taken down from the UNFSU website. Please note that the staff member mentioned is in good standing, and has made it very clear that, "she is not a subject of any investigation" as alleged.
2. I wish to inform you that, my executive has the full support of the FSU Council, enjoys a brilliant staff management relations across the board, and the FSU is now stronger at home and respected abroad.
3. Today, we have more staff members participating in FSU matters, and subscribing as due paying members to the FSU than in any other time in the history of this organization, because you believe in our pragmatic style of leadership.
4. Finally, to the majority of staff members who have reached out to me, requesting my executive to run for a second term (2025-2027), we have heard you loud and clear. We thank you for the confidence you have reposed in us.
As your president, my primary responsibility is to support, defend your right and welfare in the field. And I will never allow other people’s enemy to become my enemy. I may disagree with you, but I will always represent you, because the UNFSU is not for some international staff, it is for all international staff serving in our field missions.
As your president, please note that, my job is to unite everybody so we can achieve our objectives as staff members. I will therefore not be responding to emails that are meant to distract my team from serving you effectively.
Let me conclude by thanking you all for the great job you are doing in your various missions. I also want to thank our gallant Staff Representatives who are selflessly doing their best to represent you.
We will continue to serve you with an utmost sense of patriotism to the United Nations, and without fear or favor.
With your continued support, Everything will be Under Control.
Please click the link to access the visual Broadcast : https://youtu.be/l5lgQ7xpWeg?si=-39U7v2SELhVBrZI
In my next Broadcast, I will update you on the status of the compensation review, Mobility, Roster membership, to name but a few.
Thank you and God bless the United Nations.
Thanks,
Milan Victor Dawoh
Dear Friends and Colleagues, Obituary Announcement:
We regret to inform you of the passing of our dear colleague, Mr. Moataz Ibrahim Abdelsalam Abdelhamid, in Egypt on the morning of 5th May 2024.
Mr. Abdelhamid joined the United Nations on 24 July 2016 as an International Staff... with MINUSCA in the capacity of Close Protection Officer in Bangui.
Moataz will be remembered as a colleague who always kept a smile on his face, while being friendly, polite, and courteous.
He will be truly missed by MINUSCA colleagues, friends and family.
Our sincere condolences to Mr. Abdelhamid’s family and may his soul rest in peace.
May His Soul Rest in Peace.
Milan Victor Dawoh
President-United Nations Field Staff Union (UNFSU)
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Please view the following links on current Staff Management Relations, and a video link summarizing the activities undertaken by the executive during the period under review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvTr9HX_W7g
...https://unfsu.org/2024/04/30/important-update-on-staff-management-relations/
For the remaining few staff members who have not done so yet, we encourage you to please click this link and become due paying member. It’s just $10 a month:
https://unfsu1.eu1.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhC8iaoEwVi3vqKblmTlHHH_RijSLGgE7yRu0FfgCQIN45SbeJD7ETU4H7CRydbMi0I*
Wishing you all in advance, a Happy Labor Day.
Thanks,
Milan Victor Dawoh
President-United Nations Field Staff Union (UNFSU)
Please find attached a Broadcast on current Staff Management Relations.
unfsu.orgDear Friends and Colleagues,
Statement on Item 8 for the 97th session of the ICSC Payment of Amount in lieu of Settling-in Grant at category D and E duty stations that are not designated as Non-Family. Click below link to see and read full statement.
...https://unfsu.org/2024/03/14/statement-on-item-8-on-the-97th-session-of-the-icsc-payment-of-amount-in-lieu-of-settling-in-grant-at-category-d-and-e-duty-stations-that-are-not-designated-as-non-family/
Milan Dawoh chairing the #UNFSU Council Meeting 2024. #Brindisi #UNGSC
UNFSU Council Meeting February 2024, UNGSC.
The UNFSU Council Meeting of 2024, FSC-XXXI, was opened by the President Milan Dawoh on 26th February. His opening remarks were as follows:
Friends and Colleagues of the United Nations, on behalf of the United Nations Field Staff Union Executive: Vice President Jackline Omondi, Vice ...President Paul Smith, and Ms. Rosa Colluci, it gives me great pleasure to speak to you today, and to welcome you most cordially at the official opening of the 31st United Nations Field Staff Council Meeting here in Brindisi - Italy.
I would like to express my profound gratitude to all International UN Staff Members for electing us unopposed as your Executive. We certainly don’t take it for granted.
As an executive, we are fully aware of the challenges we are experiencing now: The closure of Mali and Sudan, the uncertainty in Congo, the precarious situation in Somalia and the turbulent crises in Iraq with the upcoming closure of UNITAD in September this year.
We are also very cognizant of the burning issues affecting UN Staff Members across the globe: Issues of the non-permanent Roster Membership, Mobility, Continuing Appointment and most importantly, affected Staff Members from Downsizing Missions.
Which is why since we took over just over 100 days ago, we have managed to save the jobs of over 270 staff members from Mali and Sudan. To put this into context, this is the highest number of UN staff members that have ever placed from downsizing missions in the history of this organization. That was possible because of the good cooperation we have established with all Heads of Entities across the globe, and the UN Senior Management in New York.
This good cooperation of staff management relations will be manifested during this council meeting wherein for the first time, all the various departments in UN-Headquarters that we are interfacing with in the Field, have agreed to participate in our Council Meeting. This is a sign of trust and a vote of confidence in our great union.
For those of you who attended the UN-Secretary General’s Town Hall Meeting on the 1st of February 2024, The Secretary General (Mr. Antonio Guterres), expressed serious concerns about the liquidity situation of the UN. As an executive, we share his concerns about the accelerating liquidity crisis that hampers regular budget operations and jeopardizes your ability in the field to deliver on UN mandates. We are alarmed that; more and more activities and outputs are being postponed or even cancelled.
On that same token, you will all agree with me that the intervention that was made by the President of the United Nations Field Staff Union during that that Town Hall Meeting, was one of the greatest highlights of that event. With the support of our Executive, I muster the courage to make a case for Peacekeeping operations. And today, I can confidently say that we are stronger at home and respected abroad by All UN entities across the globe.
I cannot conclude without acknowledging the contribution of the former UNFSU President: Mr. Mark Polane and his team to this great union. Even though his tenure was largely covered by the COVID Pandemic, he did his best to represent the staff and kept everybody posted on the status of our union. Which is why, I’m setting a precedent by inviting him as a former president, and as a UN veteran of over 30 years of service.
As an executive, we will continue to do our best to serve all UN Staff around the world with an utmost sense of patriotism to the United Nations, devoid of any iota of selfishness, personal aggrandizement, and the poor spirit of cynicism.
With your continued support, everything will be under control.
Thank you and God Bless the United Nations
A message from the UNFSU President, Mr Milan Victor Dawoh.
Thank you message from the UNFSU Executive on their election into office.
youtu.behttps://unfsu.org/2023/12/07/update-on-staff-management-engagement-in-unhq/
Mr Milan Dawoh and the SG
During the past two weeks (13th – 22nd November,2023), I was in New York on the Classification of Hardship Duty Stations in Africa. I was part of...
unfsu.org
We must #BelieveInPeace in order to #LiveInPeace the United Nations was founded on the ideal to "Save Succeeding Generations from the Scourge of War" It seems that many have forgotten this idea and as a result we are seeing war and conflict increasing.
On this United Nations ...day, we would do well to remember the words of one of the UN's Secretaries General, Dag Hammarskjold, who said, "The UN was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell".
In the face of the current ugly conflicts and horrible violence we are seeing he also reminds us that, "The pursuit of peace and progress cannot end in a few years in either victory or defeat. The pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and its errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed and never abandoned."
Wishing all our colleagues in United Nations Peacekeeping a peaceful UN Day.
#WagePeace #StopWar #UNDay2023
As our term in office as UNFSU executive comes to an end, it was time today for me personally to recognize and appreciate the contributions of my two Vice Presidents over the last four years. Without Leila Spain and Liliya Galieva there would not have been a “Team Future” because of them we ...were #StrongerTogether as a team and thus serve our staff in the field in the same spirit of collaboration and friendship. I will be forever grateful for their contributions, for putting up with me, and for their dedication and friendship.
It was an honour therefore to be able to give them a special edition of their #UNFSU #longserviceaward and medals, doubling as certificates of appreciation and recognition of their hard work and selfless dedication to our Union and our members.
After 36hours of travel due to flight cancellations, missed connections and rerouted flights we made it to @un_minusma There, we listened, and heard the stress, anxiety and worries of our staff who are all facing a lot of uncertainty due to closure of the mission. We were there to show solidarity, ...give advice and advocate on their behalf with @unitednations @unpeacekeeping and @antonioguterres to take care of all staff who have given many years of service to the #UN and to the Malian people.
We gave #UNFSU Long Service Awards to those that had asked. We held townhall meeting. We celebrated a birthday and had some good pizza. And eventually returning to #brindisi We are continuing to advocate for our staff in the hope that many will find different jobs within the UN 🇺🇳 family.
Industrial agriculture is the demise of humanity.
Watch this film and wake up to the reality that industrial agriculture isn’t sustainable and that we need to stop this practice!
Watch this movie and wake up!
#savetheseed #savetheplanet
Watch The Seeds of Vandana Shiva or register for a community screening. The Remarkable Life Story of Eco-activist Vandana Shiva.
vandanashivamovie.com
Happening this week in the United Nations Global Service Centre The Staff Management Committee meeting meets to discuss various important topics for the staff. Which includes all United Nations secretariat staff unions and associations.
Including the United Nations Field Staff Union
Many ...important topics are being discussed, such as, revising the staff selection system. Occupational Health and Safety, including Mental Health. Accountability in the UN and many more.
#staffreprentation #management
#UNFSU #strongertogether
Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Eid El Fitr. #eidmubarak
We are extremely proud and grateful for the generosity of our members who donated to provide urgent relief for the earthquakes victims in Syria and Türkiye.
Last year the UNFSU and our Federation UNISERV participated in a panel discussion during the International Anti Corruption Conference in Washington...
unfsu.org
Sharing this on behalf of UN People of African Descent (UNPAD)
Sign up for this event by registering: http://bit.ly/3vPyxXe
An impressive opening of the International Conference Against Corruption #iacc2022 in Washington DC. Encouraging words from the likes of Samantha Power of USAID and the President of Moldova Maia Sandu
The people of the world need to unite against #corruption strengthening #whistleblowing ...mechanisms and protection. Supporting #investigativejournalism in various ways to encourage the uncovering of #people in #power who steal from their countries and hide their wealth through international webs of anonymous offshore companies etc.
Corruption is cross-cutting and effects everything in our daily lives. We are #strongertogether against the scourge of corruption globally.
This Friday I participate in a workshop that is part of this conference in my capacity as UNISERV - United Nations International Civil Servants' Federation President, to examine how the United Nations can and must strengthen its internal #whistleblowing mechanisms and protections to ensure that we #walkthetalk within our own backyard.
While the UN Human Rights Council Mr Volker Türk has sent an open letter to Twitter #elonmusk highlighting concerns about the protection of Human Rights on the platform. The UNFSU is exploring alternatives such as #mastodon come and join us there where we don’t “tweet” but we “toot”
2 Posts, 5 Following, 2 Followers · The UNFSU represents United Nations Personnel who work in United Nations Field Operations https://www.unfsu.org
union.placeToday we delivered our statement to the United Nations 5th Committee on UN Common System Issues.
What a great start with very relevant training on dealing with #bullying and #harassment in the workplace. Equipping our council members with the tools to address some of the causes of #toxicworkplace behaviors.
Statement delivered at the opening of the UNFSU XXX Council meeting on UN Day, 24 October 2022.
"This UN Day remarks the 77th year of the existence of the United Nations. This year's theme is about hope and global unity. At UNFSU, our motto since we took office in 2019 has been ...“Stronger Together”, a motto compatible with the notion of global unity towards a world of peace and prosperity for all.
We must unite in the fight against toxic work environments to prevent our staff from developing mental health problems, we must demand better access to help for those that are already suffering, and we must do all we can to reduce stigma to reduce the number of people who are suffering in silence because they are afraid to speak up.
We must develop a zero tolerance to toxicity in our work environments so that we can all become, Stronger Together."
#unfsu #strongertogether #mentalhealth #toxicworkplace
https://unfsu.org/2022/10/24/opening-statement-at-unfsu-council-xxx-on-un-day-24-october-2022/
Opening Statement for the XXX UNFSU Council meeting on UN Day Dear colleagues and friends, We are very pleased to be able to welcome you all here...
unfsu.orgA notice to our employer, the United Nations and for the staff we represent in United Nations Peacekeeping it’s time to demand answers to these questions:
- Do we treat employee mental health and well-being as a strategic priority?
- Do we effectively address toxic behaviors?
- ...Do we create inclusive work environments?-
- Do we promote sustainable work?
- Are we holding leaders accountable?
- Are we effectively tackling stigma?
- Do our resources meet employee needs?
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #change
https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/present-company-included-prioritizing-mental-health-and-well-being-for-all
A McKinsey Health Institute survey across 15 countries highlights how employers can make mental health a reality, especially for young workers.
www.mckinsey.com
First day of United Nations High Level Commitee on #management meeting today in UNESCO iconic meeting room. Very interesting and important discussions on Mutual Recognition Agreements between #UN organizations in order to improve efficiencies, economies of scale, and harmonization across the UN ...System. Great presentations from LinkedIn about leveraging data for #talentmanagement as well as Mastercard talking about #datagovernance and management.
Today the International Labour Organization and World Health Organization are calling for new measures to tackle mental health issues at work. The United Nations Field Staff Union, and UNISERV - United Nations International Civil Servants' Federation call on the United Nations Senior ...leadership to take serious these guidelines and make it a priority to develop concrete action plans to prevent mental health problems that are generated through the work environments our staff work in.
“It’s time to focus on the detrimental effect work can have on our mental health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The well-being of the individual is reason enough to act, but poor mental health can also have a debilitating impact on a person’s performance and productivity. These new guidelines can help prevent negative work situations and cultures and offer much-needed mental health protection and support for working people.”
“As people spend a large proportion of their lives in work – a safe and healthy working environment is critical. We need to invest to build a culture of prevention around mental health at work, reshape the work environment to stop stigma and social exclusion, and ensure employees with mental health conditions feel protected and supported,” said, Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General.
#leadership #health #people #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #culture
Find more information here:
https://www.who.int/news/item/28-09-2022-who-and-ilo-call-for-new-measures-to-tackle-mental-health-issues-at-work
New global WHO guidelines on mental health at work are reinforced by practical strategies outlined in a joint WHO/ILO policy brief.
www.who.int