Ban Ki-moon pays tribute to role of former international civil servants

The former staff of the United Nations can play a vital role as mentors and guides “to a whole new generation of international civil servants” at a time when the Organization is facing unprecedented demands, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

In a message to the annual meeting of the Association of Former International Civil Servants, held in New York, Mr. Ban noted that the world body is being called on to provide solutions to the world’s most intractable problems, from climate change to food security to peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

While the current UN staff are “proving worth of these tasks… there is much they can learn from all of you,” he said, in a message delivered on his behalf by Netta Avedon, the chief of staff development in the Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM).

“Your accumulated wisdom and institutional memory complement their own youthful energy and dedication. That is why I welcome and encourage regular contact between us.”

In his message the Secretary-General also urged the former staff members to be strong public advocates for the UN.

“Many of you already defend and explain our Organization through speeches, talks, articles and other outreach efforts. I am grateful for this support and encourage every one of you to contribute to this effort.”