Civil Servants’ Associations meet in CopenhagenFebruary 13, 2012 - 13:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Federation of International Civil Servants’ Associations (FICSA), is meeting in Copenhagen Feb 13 on the occasion of its 60th anniversary at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/EURO). FICSA represents the interests of over 50,000 international civil servants in 29 unions and staff associations worldwide, including about 600 staff working in Copenhagen. “The 60th Anniversary is an opportunity to step back and reflect on our record over the past 60 years and to use those lessons to decide how best to advance the rights and conditions of service of people working for the United Nations and its specialized agencies, including WHO” said the FICSA President, Mauro Pace. He continued, “The current financial crisis is affecting public services all over the world. The United Nations responded promptly to the concerns of Member States implementing a reform process, which resulted in cost savings and efficiency measures over the years, for example through downsizing, outsourcing and off-shoring of many activities. Nevertheless, we continue to be asked to “do more with less”. We are now reaching a crucial point where the core functioning of the international civil service is at risk. As countries increasingly confront civil unrest and hunger, the United Nations organizations need the financial means to meet their growing needs." Keynote speaker, Mr. Ib Petersen, Danish Secretary of State for Development, will join the celebration of the 60thanniversary, along with the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, and the Chairman of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), Mr. Kingston Rhodes. United Nations Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon will address the meeting on the importance of social dialogue and the contributions made by FICSA over the years. The 65th FICSA Council, February 12-17, will tackle such important issues as staff security and safety, salaries, pensions, performance evaluation, workplace harassment and decent contracts. The outcome is expected to be a Copenhagen Declaration calling for the UN and its agencies to implement collective bargaining for all international civil servants.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
