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STU/69th Council/21/028
15 October 2021

212th Session of the Executive Board of UNESCO

ORAL STATEMENT OF THE UNESCO STAFF UNION (STU)

Thank you, Mr Chairperson, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

The STU read the document on Strategic Transformation with great attention and is pleased that this time staff are mentioned many times.

However, the STU does not share the enthusiasm of the Administration for the results of the Strategic Transformation process as they are experienced by the staff.

Had the health crisis been effectively managed, with the urgent implementation of teleworking, for example, it has considerably affected the staff of our Organization, whose well-being is not sufficiently taken into account yet. The work-life balance may have been compromised by teleworking, with many supervisors expecting supervisees to be constantly available. Steps must be taken to remedy this.

In our view, improving UNESCO’s presence in the world requires well-managed mobility, based on clear and transparent criteria and part of a planned strategy. It is by appointing the right people to the right positions, and not by rewarding a few at the expense of the many, that UNESCO will be strong.

In conclusion, STU wishes to reiterate its commitment to a constructive dialogue with the Administration leading to the improvement of the working conditions of all staff of UNESCO.

Thank you for your attention.