Coordinator: Clara Van Panhuys

Members: Manuel Cespedes Ocampo, Andrew Christian, Séverine Deboos, Yuka Okumura

Technical Advisers: Lou Tessier, Aria Tung

Objective: To contribute to the improvement of the working environment for all ILO officials by combating any form of discrimination, and promoting inclusion, equality and diversity whilst facilitating the pursuit of a healthy work-life balance in a workplace free from violence and harassment.

While we all uphold the common UN charter and work towards the promotion of a Decent Work Agenda for all, we all bring with us diverse perspectives, work experiences, lifestyles and cultures, which should be valued, respected and supported. The Staff Union Committee aspires to create a working environment where diversity, equality, equity, inclusion and work-life balance is respected and leveraged to improve organizational performance and the well-being of ILO officials. 

Means of action

Building upon the success of the previous year and learning from the challenges faced, the Staff Union proposes continuing to work on special mechanisms/initiatives to facilitate inclusion, diversity, equality and work-life balance.

More specifically, the working group will:

• Ensure that all negotiations – conducted under the framework of the JNC – are conducted through a gender equal, non-discriminatory and an intersectional lens. This will include negotiations on:
  – Contract policy and mobility;
  – Revision of the policy against harassment, including sexual harassment;
  – Disability inclusion policy;
  – And others, as relevant, and depending on the needs and decisions of the JNC.
• Actively support the promotion of respect in the workplace, including a workplace free from harassment and discrimination at HQ and in the field and in collaboration with HRD and others (Welfare Officer, MEDSERV, Ethics Officer, the Mediator and others).
• In consultation with GEDI and HRD, support the promotion of diversity and inclusion, especially the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Policy in the ILO, particularly in the areas of employment and non-discrimination.
• In collaboration with the UNGLOBE Coordinators at the ILO, support sensitization, awareness-raising, and advocacy efforts for better inclusion of LGBTIQ+ colleagues in the ILO, as well as UN policies, events and networking activities for interested colleagues.

Organize awareness-raising; information sessions; activities on International Days to exchange views/concerns and share information, knowledge and good practice and exchange with ILO Staff and Union members, in collaboration when relevant, with GEDI, FUNDAMENTALS, UN-GLOBE, the Employment Resource Group (ERG) and HRD.