The Coordinating Committee for International Staff Unions and Associations of the United Nations System (CCISUA) staff federation recently conducted a quick survey among its member unions to gather their thoughts on the UN80 initiative. The results of the survey have come as a disappointment, with respondents expressing a lack of confidence in the way the initiative is being led and implemented.
The UN80 initiative, launched in 2020, aims to transform the United Nations into an organization that is more effective, efficient, and accountable. It focuses on eight key areas of improvement, including organizational culture, leadership, and accountability. However, the recent survey by CCISUA has revealed that the staff of the United Nations have their reservations about the initiative and its implementation.
One of the main concerns expressed by the respondents was the lack of transparency in the way UN80 is being led. They felt that decisions were being made without proper consultation with the staff, and there was a lack of information on how the initiative would be implemented. This has led to a sense of frustration and mistrust among the UN staff, who feel that their voices are not being heard in this process.
Moreover, there were also concerns about the lack of inclusivity in the UN80 initiative. The survey revealed that many staff members felt that their views and opinions were not being taken into consideration, and there was a lack of diversity in the decision-making process. This goes against the very principles of the UN, which promotes inclusivity and diversity in all its actions.
The respondents also expressed their disappointment in the slow progress of the UN80 initiative. Despite being launched almost a year ago, there has been little tangible action taken to implement the proposed changes. This has caused frustration among the staff, who were hoping to see a more significant impact of the initiative on their work lives.
Furthermore, there were concerns about the potential negative impact of the UN80 initiative on the staff. Many respondents feared that the proposed changes would lead to job losses and a decrease in benefits and job security. This has caused anxiety among the staff, who are already facing numerous challenges in their work.
It is crucial for the leadership of the United Nations to take note of these concerns and address them promptly. The UN staff is the backbone of the organization, and their opinions and well-being must be taken into consideration when implementing any major changes, such as the UN80 initiative.
CCISUA and its member unions have always been strong advocates for the rights and well-being of the UN staff. The recent survey only reinforces their commitment to ensuring that the voices of the staff are heard and that their interests are protected. CCISUA urges the leadership of the UN to engage in meaningful dialogue with the staff and address their concerns in a timely and transparent manner.
In conclusion, the results of the survey by CCISUA have highlighted the need for a more consultative and inclusive approach to the UN80 initiative. The staff of the United Nations are the ones who will be directly affected by any changes, and they must be included in the decision-making process. It is only through open and transparent communication that the UN80 initiative can truly bring about the desired transformation in the organization. Let us work together to make the United Nations a better and more effective organization for the benefit of all.
