Bulletin Oct 09 - Welcome to the United Nations Sharma Others Board Members Miguel Arnabal Denis...

AFICS

AFICS(NY) webpage: <http://www.un.org/other/afics>

"The mission of AFICS(NY) is to support and promote the purposes, principles and pro-grammes of the UN System; to advise and assist former international civil servants and thoseabout to separate from service; to represent the interests of its members within the System;to foster social and personal relationships among members, to promote their well-being andto encourage mutual support of individual members."

BULLETIN

ASSOCIATION OF FORMER INTERNATIONALCIVIL SERVANTS

Vol. 40, No. 4 October 2009

NEW YORK

WORLD GATHERS IN NEW YORK

"The United States has re-engaged the United Nations."

- President Barack Obama

General Assembly opens 64th SessionSecurity Council holds Special SessionSecretary-General convenes Summit on Climate Change

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ASSOCIATION OF FORMER INTERNATIONALCIVIL SERVANTS (New York)

Martti AhtisaariKofi A. AnnanBan Ki-moonAung San Suu Kyi

Boutros Boutros-GhaliAhmad Tejan KabbahJavier Perez de Cuellar

Margaret K. BruceAndrés Castellanos del

CorralO. Richard Nottidge

Helen Geffen RohtGeorge F. SaddlerPatricia K. TsienJane Weidlund

Honorary Members

GOVERNING BOARD

Honorary Board Members

Officers

PresidentEdward Omotoso

1st Vice PresidentLinda Saputelli

2nd Vice PresidentJ. Fernando Astete

SecretaryChristine Smith-

xxLemarchand

Deputy SecretaryLouise Laheurte

TreasurerVacant

Deputy TreasurerPuran Sharma

Others Board MembersMiguel Arnabal Denis BeisselThomas A. Bieler

Barbara BurnsLola Costa-EsnardDede EmersonAnthony J. FouracreBéatrice Frankard-LittleAnne GunningSuzan S. HabachyPhyllis P. MacPhersonMargaret MilesStafford K. MouskyDr. Sudershan NarulaFederico Riesco

Office StaffLydia OntalAngie de HittaJamna Israni

LibrarianDawne Gautier

CONTENTS

NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT 3

UN HIGHLIGHTSCall for Reform at GA's 64th Session 4Security Council: Historic Summit 5Progress Made on Major Issues 6UN Marks First World Humanitarian Day 8International Day of Older Persons 9Report: 38th FAFICS Council Session 10Report: 56th UNJS Pension Bd. Session 10S-G's Letter to Staff 11Update on UN Contractual Reform 13

AFICS(NY) IN ACTIONGov. Bd. Co-opts Members/Elects Bureau 15 Committee Reports 15Workshop for Int. Retiree Associations 17Your Library 18

ADVOCATES’ CORNERObama Doctrine on UN Policy 20UN support for Democracy Building 21MDG Commitments Falling Short 22

UN AT WORK WORLDWIDE10 Stories World Should Hear 23700 Million Bed Nets for Africa 24H1N1 Vaccine for Developing World 25

HEALTHY LIVINGFlu Season Comes With Two Shots 25

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 28BOOK REVIEWS 28WORLDWIDE REUNIONS 31OBITUARIES 33IN MEMORIAM 36

Unless otherwise noted,throughout the Bulletin theterm "AFICS" is used to referto AFICS (New York).

The views and opinionsexpressed in the variousreports, articles and illustra-tions in the Bulletin do notnecessarily represent those ofthe Association of FormerInternational Civil Servants(New York) {AFICS (NY)}, itsBureau or Governing Board,nor does the Associationaccept responsibility for theaccuracy of information given.The mention of any product,service, organization or com-pany does not necessarilyimply its endorsement by theAssociation.

AFICS (NEW YORK)BULLETIN

Published quarterly by theAssociation of Former

International Civil Servants (NY)

EditorMary Lynn Hanley

Design & LayoutFidel Keymolen

ColumnistDr. Sudershan Narula

ContributorsGeorge F. Saddler

Andrés CastellanosLola Costa-Esnard

Dawne Gautier

Publishing DirectorEdward Omotoso

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Please submit news, views, pho-tos and letters to the Editor by e-mail: <[email protected]>

NEW YORK: THE WORLD'S CAPITAL CITY

Every Member State of the United Nationshas a capital city, but the capital of all ofthem, in that it houses the Headquarters oftheir Organization, is New York City. Thatcity proudly nicknames itself "the capital ofthe world." For us in AFICS (NY), it is ourhometown. This "world capital" monikerrings truest in the second half of Septemberevery year, when the United Nations con-venes its General Assembly here. The year2009 has been exceptional in this regard.

One day before the opening of the 64th session of the General Assembly,Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon convened a Summit of Heads of State andGovernment in advance of, and to prepare for the Climate Change conferencein Copenhagen, Denmark in the middle of December of this year. It was a pos-itive harbinger for the Conference itself.

Then, the still new President of the United States, Barack Obama, whose glob-al popularity is of stratospheric mega-rock star proportions, not only made hisdebut appearance at the podium of the General Assembly but also presidedover a historic session of the Security Council, flanked by other Presidents,Prime Ministers and Heads of State and Government of the Council's perma-nent and non-permanent members.

The General Assembly itself was a veritable summit of leaders from everycontinent and virtually every nation on the planet. Unfortunately, the tabloidsand much of the broadcast media in New York concentrated attention onLibya's Mouamar El-Khadafy, Iran's Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and Venezuela'sHugo Chavez. But in truth, leaders came from all 192 members states of theUnited Nations - and they did real substantive work.

As usual, the New York tabloid mass media endlessly reported about the traf-fic jams and gridlock caused by the presence of so many dignitaries, and theirsecurity apparatus, saying very little, if anything at all, about what all thoseleaders actually came to do in New York.

For the benefit of the media and the masses they refuse to inform, here aresome of what these leaders and their diplomats actually spend their time dis-cussing: the most crucial issues facing humankind, including global peace andsecurity, disarmament, climate change and environment, good governance,human rights, disaster preparedness and management, humanitarian assis-tance, health, development, peace making, peace building, conflict preven-tion, mediation, food, health, education, nutrition, gender issues, children,youth, ageing and the elderly, and economic and social advancement in gen-

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eral, as epitomized in the comprehensive MillenniumDevelopment Goals. They discuss, negotiate and reachagreements on substantive, important issues of rele-vance to men, women and children in the world, frompeaceful uses of outer space to the earth's geography,oceanography and marine use - and virtually everythingelse in between.

Even in the very first few days of the this year'sAssembly, substantive progress was achieved: theSecurity Council, chaired by President Obama, gavelleddown and reached major agreement on disarmament:the Secretary-General's Summit engendered commit-ment from the world's leaders, especially the UnitedStates and China, that they would work towards positiveresults at the Climate Change Conference inCopenhagen.

It's a pity that the media does not report more on thesubstantive discussions and negotiations in New York,which often translate into meaningful and positiveresults affecting the daily lives so many millions of peo-

ple in so many countries around the world.

The good news is that the vast majority of regular peo-ple out there in the real world - including in our hostcountry, the United States of America - recognize andappreciate the value of the United Nations, and that theysupport the Organization. They know that not everyproblem in the world is amenable to a quick fix, but thatthe UN is working as hard as it can, given its peculiarhuman circumstances.

United States Ambassador Susan Rice put it most aptly,quoting her President: "The United Nations is imper-fect; but it is also indispensable."

So, welcome to New York, world! And here's wishingthe United Nations even more successes in its noblework for the benefit of humankind.

Edward OmotosoPresident, AFICS (New York)

NEW GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT OPENS 64TH SESSIONWITH CALL FOR UN REFORM

(Adapted from UN Website)

The UN General Assembly opened its 64th annual ses-sion on 15 September 2009 with its new President, H.E.Dr. Ali Treki of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, a career-long diplomat who has held many important foreignministry positions, calling for reform of the UnitedNations with an expanded Security Council represent-ing full geographic diversity and an Assembly that hasthe ability to implement its resolutions. Currently onlyresolutions of the 15-member Council, and not those ofthe 192-member Assembly, are legally binding.

"The General Assembly, which represents the entireworld, has been hampered by the obstacles in its path,"said Dr. Treki in his opening speech. "It has been unableto implement or enforce its resolutions. The GeneralAssembly must be reformed to regain its international

legitimacy by ensuring that its voice is heard andrespected and its resolutions implemented."

Turning to the Security Council, he noted that Africacomprises 53 States, none of which is a permanentmember - a position held only by China, France, Russia,the United Kingdom and the United States. Such is thecase, too, of Latin America and the Forum of SmallStates, which account for over half of the world's inhab-itants. "It is vital to reform the Security Council and torevitalize the General Assembly so that they can com-prehensively fulfil their roles," he declared.

Turning to world affairs, Dr. Treki called for dialogueand mutual understanding to resolve problems, notembargos and blockades, which he called fruitless and

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serving to exacerbate antagonism and rebellion. He alsonoted that the gap between rich and poor has been grow-ing steadily wider. "In an unequal world, we cannothope for peace and security to prevail," he said.

Condemning terrorism, he urged that close attention bepaid to its roots, causes and contributing factors. "Thisis true of terrorism carried out by individuals, groupsand States; State terrorism is the harshest form of terror-ism," he added.

Discussing the Middle East, he said "the Palestinianpeople's aspirations towards independence and its rightto return to its land in accordance with United Nationsresolutions are two fundamental conditions for the swiftrealization of peace and security in that sensitive part ofthe world." Without mentioning Israel by name, he

added: "There must be an end to settlement activities,which have been condemned by the entire internationalcommunity. The removal of illegal and illegitimate set-tlements would help to achieve security and a just peacein accordance with the resolutions with which we mustcomply."

Dr. Treki also called for progress at the upcomingClimate Change summit convened by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to produce recommendations forthe conference on the issue to be held in Copenhagen inDecember. And he urged additional efforts to achievethe Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that aim toslash a host of social ills by 2015, as well as stepstowards non-proliferation and the elimination of nuclearweapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

SECURITY COUNCIL HOLDS HISTORIC SUMMIT: CALLS FOR WORLD FREE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Barack Obama first U.S. President to preside over Security Council meeting


The Security Council affirmed its commitment to thegoal of a world free of nuclear weapons and establisheda broad framework for reducing global nuclear dangers,in an historic summit-level meeting chaired by UnitedStates President Barack Obama on 24 September 2009. . The meeting - only the fifth in the Council's history tobe held at the level of heads of State and government -began with the unanimous adoption of a resolution bywhich the 15-member body voiced grave concern aboutthe threat of nuclear proliferation and the need for glob-al action to combat it.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the resolu-tion, adding that the summit was "an historic event thathas opened a new chapter in the Council's efforts toaddress nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation."Stressing that "nuclear disarmament is the only sanepath to a safer world," Mr. Ban said in his openingremarks that "nothing would work better in eliminatingthe risk of use than eliminating the weapons them-selves."

In resolution 1887, the Council called on countries tosign and ratify the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT), and created additional deterrence for withdraw-al from the treaty.

In addition, the Council called on all States to refrainfrom conducting a nuclear test explosion and to sign andratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty(CTBT), thereby bringing it into force as soon as possi-ble.

"Although we averted a nuclear nightmare during theCold War, we now face proliferation of a scope andcomplexity that demands new strategies and new

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approaches," said Mr. Obama, the first U.S. President topreside over a Security Council meeting. "Just onenuclear weapon exploded in a city - be it New York orMoscow, Tokyo or Beijing, London or Paris - could killhundreds of thousands of people. And it would badlydestabilize our security, our economies, and our veryway of life," he said.

Russia's President said his country continues to reducenuclear arms "way ahead of schedule," adding that all ofits nuclear weapons are "located on its national territoryand under reliable protection." Dmitry Medvedev alsohighlighted the "unprecedented" reductions of strategicnuclear arsenals by Russia and the U.S.

Removing the threat of nuclear war is vital to realizinga safer world for all, China's President Hu Jintao, toldthe Council, while acknowledging that nuclear disarma-ment remains a "long and arduous" task. He put forwarda series of measures, including abandoning the nucleardeterrence policy based on first use and taking crediblesteps to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons.

President Óscar Arias of Costa Rica said the UN hadbeen founded on the promise that all people would beable to sleep peacefully, but that promise had not beenkept. "While we sleep, death is awake. Death keepswatch from the warehouses that store more than 23,000nuclear warheads, like 23,000 eyes open and waiting fora moment of carelessness," he stated, adding that it didnot seem plausible to discuss disarmament as long asexisting agreements were not being honoured.

While affirming the right of nations to peaceful uses ofnuclear energy, the resolution called for stronger safe-guards to reduce the likelihood that peaceful nuclearprogrammes can be diverted to a weapons programme,as well as stricter national export controls on sensitivenuclear materials.Director General Mohamed El Baradei spoke of the

need to strengthen and empower the InternationalAtomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if it is to play a role innuclear disarmament. "Our verification mandate is cen-tred on nuclear material. If the Agency is to be expectedto pursue possible weaponization activities, it must beempowered with the corresponding legal authority," hesaid.

During the meeting several delegates voiced concernabout the challenges to the non-proliferation regimeposed by the nuclear activities of Iran and theDemocratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Theworld cannot stand by when Iran and DPRK reject theopportunities of peaceful civil nuclear power andinstead take steps to develop nuclear weapons in a waythat threatens regional peace and security, stated PrimeMinister Gordon Brown of the United Kingdom."Today, I believe we have to draw a line in the sand. Iranmust not allow its actions to prevent the internationalcommunity from moving forward to a more peacefulera," he said, adding that as evidence of Iran's breach ofinternational agreements grows, tougher sanctions mustbe considered.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that DPRKshows what happens when too much time is allowed topass. After years of diplomatic efforts, the country isnow at the point of conducting nuclear tests and long-range missile tests, and it exports sensitive technologiesto unstable regions, he stated. "I call on those with themeans to put pressure and exert influence on Pyongyangto use them so that it puts a halt to these schemes."

The meeting came ahead of the nuclear security summitto be convened by Mr. Obama next April and the NPTReview Conference set for next May. It also coincidedwith a two-day conference that began at UNHeadquarters on 24 September to try to promote theCTBT and its entry into force.

WORLD LEADERS MAKE PROGRESS ON MAJOR ISSUES, SAYS S-G

UN Playing a Pivotal role in Climate Change, Nuclear Disarmament and Global Financial Crisis


Speaking on 29 September, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the meetings of world leaders at theGeneral Assembly over the week that had just passedhad made progress on major issues including climate

change, nuclear disarmament and the global financialcrisis, with the United Nations playing a pivotal role. "It is still early days, of course, but this has been one ofthe most engaged GA (General Assembly) sessions in

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years," he told a newsconference at UNHeadquarters in NewYork, summing up theopening of theAssembly's 64th annu-al General Debate andthe meetings that tookplace on the sidelines."There is a broadrecognition of theUN's pivotal role inrising to the exception-al challenges of thecoming year."

Mr. Ban said that thesummit meeting hehad convened on theclimate crisis on 22September with 101

heads of State and government present laid a "solidfoundation" toward December's Copenhagen meeting,where leaders will seek a new treaty to control emis-sions of greenhouse gases. "All leaders said they want-ed a deal and are prepared to work for it. This gives thenegotiations vital political impetus," he said, citing theleaders' confirmation of the need to limit the globalaverage temperature rise to a maximum of 2 degreesCelsius with most vulnerable countries pushing for aneven more stringent 1.5-degree limit.

He also noted that on the mitigation front, Japanannounced a "bold goal" of 25 per cent reduction ingreenhouse gases by 2020 and China said it would beprepared to take additional actions to reduce energyintensity in the context of an international agreement.

On adaptation, he noted that the European Union (EU)announced support for a fast track funding facility foradaptation and their readiness to provide €5 billion to €7billion to get it started. "At long last, leaders focused onclimate change financing and got more concrete, withmany expressing support for the proposal for $100 bil-lion annually over the next decade for concrete adapta-tion and mitigation actions," Mr. Ban said. "We need tomaintain the new momentum and solidify progress inthe run-up to Copenhagen."

Turning to disarmament, Mr. Ban said that the issue,along with nuclear non-proliferation, is "now front andcentre" as a result of last week's Security Council sum-mit meeting. "Not long ago, few challenged the idea thatnuclear weapons were here to stay," he added, but theresolution the Council unanimously adopted onThursday "is an important step. We continue the marchfor a world without nuclear weapons."

On recovery from the financial crisis, he noted that mar-kets may be bouncing back, but incomes, jobs and peo-ple are not. "That is why we have put forward a GlobalJobs Pact," he said. "We are also creating a new GlobalImpact Vulnerability Alert System (GIVAS), giving usreal-time data and analysis on the socio-economic pic-ture around the world, so that governments can reachthose who most need it (assistance)."

He also cited the summit meeting in Pittsburgh of theG20 group of industrialized nations and majoreconomies, which again promised to help the poorestcountries. "They pledged more balanced and sustainablegrowth in the future. Now we must hold them to theirword," he declared.

Mr. Ban also cited the meeting he hosted together withUnited States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on foodsecurity, designed to build on the announcement by theG8 group of industrialized countries in July of a $20-bil-lion food security fund. "For much of the past year, wehave focused on immediate needs - saving people fromstarving," he said. "Today we are moving more firmlytoward a longer term Phase 2 - working on a revolutionin the way we do agricultural development. We arefocusing particularly on small farmers, most of themwomen. Our approach is about more than feeding thehungry. It's about empowering the poor.

Turning to the flu pandemic, Mr. Ban said the UN sys-tem had completed an assessment to help countries pri-oritize their needs. In recent days, he noted, nine coun-tries agreed to make 10 per cent of their pandemic vac-cine supply available to countries in special need -approximately 50 million vaccines; two vaccine manu-facturers have agreed to donate 150 million vaccines;and a number of donor-countries have pledged financialand technical support, while others are exploring howthey can help.

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REMEMBERING VICTIMS OF BAGHDAD BOMBING,UN MARKS FIRST WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY


United Nations officials and staff marked the first WorldHumanitarian Day on 19 August 2009 by paying tributeto the efforts of aid workers on the frontlines around theglobe and by vowing to redouble the international com-munity's commitment to continue to assist people inneed.

Last year the General Assembly proclaimed 19 Augustas World Humanitarian Day to commemorate the 2003Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, which claimed thelives of 22 UN staff members, including the worldbody's top envoy in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, andwounded more than 150 people.

Speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony at UNHeadquarters in New York in memory of the victims ofthe Baghdad bombing, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonnoted that more humanitarian workers were kidnapped,seriously injured or killed last year during violentattacks than ever before. "This is unacceptable," Mr.Ban said, pledging to do all that he can as UN Secretary-General to help victims while protecting the securityand independence of those who work so hard to savethem. He noted that just the day before two Afghan UNstaff members along with more than half a dozen othershad been killed in a suicide attack in Kabul, two daysahead of the country's presidential and provincial coun-cil elections.

Mr. Ban also voiced his sadness at the day's violence inBaghdad, where an "appalling" string of attacks report-edly killed at least 95 people and wounded 500.

In a separate message marking the Day, Mr. Ban said theUN continues to draw inspiration from the legacy of thepeople who were killed in Baghdad, and noted that theSergio Vieira de Mello Foundation is establishing anannual prize in his name to recognize outstandingachievements in the peaceful reconciliation of conflict.Mr. Ban said that the men and women who serve ashumanitarian workers "come from many backgrounds.But they share a conviction that one person's suffering iseveryone's responsibility." He stressed the need for theinternational community "to renew our commitment tohelp vulnerable, voiceless and marginalized people

wherever they may be. That is the abiding mission of thehumanitarian community."

Joining Mr. Ban at the Headquarters ceremony,Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian AffairsCatherine Bragg noted that aid workers are working inever more dangerous conditions. "The last two yearshave been successively the most deadly for aid workerson record," she stated. "Too often, UN and NGO flagsand emblems are no longer protections but provoca-tions."

In her message, UN High Commissioner for HumanRights Navi Pillay noted that the Baghdad bombing isjust one of many attacks against UN staff and otherhumanitarian workers. In Algiers in December 2007,another 17 UN staff members were killed while twomore staff died just the day before as a result of a sui-cide bombing in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan."Killing those who are trying to help others is a particu-larly despicable crime, and one which all governmentsshould join forces to prevent, and - when preventionfails - to punish," she said.

Ms. Pillay emphasized that humanitarian work andhuman rights are inextricably entwined. "And withouthumanitarian aid," she added, "the basic human rights ofmillions of people - including the right to seek asylumfrom persecution, the right to education, and, most fun-damental of all, the right to life - would be denied.Similarly, if human rights are ignored during a humani-tarian crisis, the crisis will often deepen."

President of the General Assembly's 63rd SessionMiguel D'Escoto used the occasion to denounce theescalating attacks on humanitarian workers and demandthat those responsible be brought to justice. "Wedemand that States fulfil their obligations under interna-tional law to protect humanitarian workers and UN per-sonnel, too many of whom continue to be harmed andeven murdered, often with impunity," he said in his mes-sage.

Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World HealthOrganization (WHO), issued her own message high-

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lighting the "humanitarian imperative" to extend help tothose who have been displaced, or injured, or need food,water, shelter, comfort and essential medical care. "Asthe number of emergencies continues to increase, wemust remain steadfast in our determination to help - tobe quickly on the scene in the growing number of 'hotspots' around the world," she noted, reaffirming WHO'scommitment to lead global and national responses to thehealth component of emergencies.

Aside from the ceremonies in New York and Geneva,events were also held at UN offices around the world,including in Chad, the Democratic Republic of theCongo (DRC), Ethiopia, Fiji, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya,Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, the occupiedPalestinian territories, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka,Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS

Senior UN Officials Call for Greater State Support for Elderly


In a message mark-ing the 10thanniversary of theInternational Dayof Older Persons,observed annuallyon 1 October,Secretary-GeneralBan Ki-moon led acall for govern-ments to buildinclusive societiesthat emphasize par-ticipation, self-ful-filment, independ-ence, care and dig-nity for people of

all ages, especially the elderly.

Mr. Ban noted that the motto "towards a society for allages" was adopted in 1999 and reaffirmed at the SecondWorld Assembly on Ageing in 2002. "We have cam-paigned for policies that will enable older persons tolive in an environment that enhances their capabilities,fosters their independence, and provides them with ade-quate support and care as they age," he said.

The S-G stressed that this task takes on even greaterimportance as the world struggles to confront globalfood, energy, climate, financial and economic crises."We must put an end to age discrimination, abuse, neg-lect and violence against older persons," he said. "I urge

states to put the necessary legal protections in place, andI urge all partners to help countries develop the capaci-ty and institutions to achieve this objective."

United Nations Independent Expert on human rightsand extreme poverty, Magdalena Sepúlveda, under-scored the importance of government-run social pensionschemes and protection systems, in her message for theDay. "It is high time to kill the myth of pensions beingunaffordable for poor countries," said Ms. Sepúlveda,noting that non-contributory pensions are the simplestway to keep older persons out of poverty. "We only needto look at the achievements in any of the 46 middle- andlow-income countries that have social pensions," shesaid. "Social pensions not only improve the living con-ditions of older persons, but also that of their families.So they benefit society as a whole."

Ms. Sepúlveda said that four other persons benefit froma social pension on average, which in turn contributes tothe economic development of poor communities.Children living with pensioners tend to be better nour-ished and more likely to attend school than those livingwith older relatives where no pension scheme exists.

"Most States have been neglecting for years their obli-gations under the right to social security, for example bynot ensuring that poor people who worked in the infor-mal economy all their lives can count on a basic, non-contributory, pension," said Ms. Sepúlveda. "Older peo-ple deserve more."

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38th SESSION OF FAFICS COUNCIL

Vienna, 7-10 July 2009

The following overview of the 38th Session of the Federation of Associations of Former International CivilServants (FAFICS) Council was provided by Andrés Castellanos, President of FAFICS and HonoraryMember of the AFICS (NY) Governing Board. A 40-page "Report of the Session" will be posted on theAFICS Website (<www.un.org/other/afics>) for those wishing to read about the Session in more detail.

The Council's 38th session discussed several institution-al issues on which there were serious differences ofopinion. However, that FAFICS eventually solved theproblems was proof of its strength. In the end, everyonehappily shook hands.

One issue concerned the membership application of theGATT/WTO Association. Because its statutes did notfully conform to those of FAFICS, the President hadrejected it, telling GATT/WTO that if it amended itsstatutes, FAFICS would welcome its participation. In afurther effort to welcome GATT/WTO as a member thePresident, supported by the Secretary, had offered torecommend their acceptance by the Council providedthey would pledge to amend their statutes in threemonths as requested by FAFICS. GATT/WTO did notcomply, however, considering the rejection as an "opin-ion" of the President, despite the Bureau's endorsementof that position. After hearing the Association's views,the Council concluded that it had presented no new factsand would still have to modify its statutes. The matterwas likely to be resolved, pending the GATT Assemblymeeting next April.

(Andrés Castellanos, President of FAFICS, was re-elect-ed, as were all other incumbents of the FAFICS

Bureau.) Regarding the election of Vice-Presidents,eight candidates competed for seven positions, thoughthe Bureau had reaffirmed that the number be main-tained at seven. The proposal to increase the number toeight meant that there would be four from the Europeanregion rather than three. After a great deal of discussionamong members, AFUS-Paris ultimately withdrew itscandidate. As a compromise, AFUS-Paris requested thatshe serve as advisor to the Bureau's secretariat. This wasaccepted on an "as required" basis.

London was proposed by the BAFUNCS representativeas the venue for the next Council session, even thoughthat same representative deemed it too expensive andproposed moving the meeting outside the city instead.Concerned by the cost and relative lack of facilities, nodecision was made and the secretariat will continue toexplore options.

An excellent development was the increase in the num-ber of FAFICS members, to a current total of 45. Threenew associations joined this year and plans were under-way for new ones to be established and to join theFederation (e.g., China and Japan), and for those alreadyin existence to do likewise (e.g., Ghana and Mauritius).

UNITED NATIONS JOINT STAFF PENSION BOARD: 56th SESSIONVienna, 13-17 July 2009

(The following highlights of the Session were prepared by Andrés Castellanos, President,FAFICS and Honorary Member, AFICS {NY} Governing Board. Minutes giving a full account ofwhat was discussed may be found on the UNJSPB Website: <http://www.unjspf.org>)

Budget. The budget of the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund(UNJSPF) Secretariat and the Investment ManagementService (IMS), proposed at $197 million for 2010-2011,was a major issue of discussion. After very arduous

work, the Board was able to reduce requirements by $18million.

Terms of Office. Concerning the term of office of the

Secretary/CEO of the UNJSPF, the Board recommend-ed a two-year extension to his current five-year term,ending in December 2010, as well as the establishmentof a search committee for a successor. The Board alsorecommended a three-year extension to the term of theDeputy CEO.

Emergency Fund. From existing resources totalling,$200,000, the Emergency Fund had awarded $39,000 to16 recipients over a one-year period. The offer ofFAFICS to assist in a joint task force to identify addi-tional recipients was declined in view of the Fund's ruleon confidentiality. Assurances were given that theEmergency Fund would do its best to improve itsprocesses in order to better utilize the funds at its dis-posal.

Investments. AFICS (NY) had submitted to IMS, arequest in writing for clarification on any investment inhedge funds, which it considered would be inappropri-ate and imprudent. The Association took the positionthat, in the current economic climate, retirees wereindeed fortunate to be remunerated under a defined ben-efit plan, and that any attempt to change the nature ofthat plan should be vigorously opposed.

Plan Design. FAFICS was the only member to havepresented specific proposals to the Working Group onPlan Design, which was to submit its final report in July2010.

Retirement Age. Actuaries had spoken in favour of theproposed extension of the UN's mandatory retirementage to 65 but ICSC had postponed to next year its deci-sion thereon. The issue will be taken up after the nextmeeting of the UNJSPB in July 2010.

Divorced Spouse Benefits. On divorced spouse bene-fits, FAFICS had supported the proposal to reduce theperiod of marriage that would make a divorced eligiblefor pension benefits from 10 to 5 years, while theExecutive Heads had opposed it. This matter will be fur-ther considered next year.

Issues Pending/Long-term Care. A number of recom-mendations from as far back as 2002 remained pending.Long-term care, for instance, had kept "drifting"because of political issues surrounding ASHI, namelythe health insurance liabilities that had made the newslast year.

Trigger for Pension Adjustment. Concerning cost-of-living increases as triggers for upward adjustments inpensions, the issue of the two per cent accumulation rateremained valid; there was strong pressure to bring itdown to 1.5 per cent , and possibly even to l per cent.

UNJSPB Representation. The formal position ofFAFICS was to defend and seek voting rights on the UNJoint Staff Pension Board.

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SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON BEGINS SECOND HALF OF HIS TERM:WRITES LETTER TO ALL STAFF

On 1 July 2009, the Secretary-General sent the following letter to all UN staff:

Dear colleagues,

As I begin the second half of my term, I wish toexpress my tremendous gratitude to all staff foryour dedication and hard work. Your efforts areoften unsung, but they do us proud throughout theworld and are the very core of our Organization'smission.

Multiple challenges fill our days - food, fuel,finance and now flu - stretching our capacities tounprecedented degrees. Peacekeepers number morethan 115,000, the most ever. Every day, the United

Nations feeds 102 million people - also the mostever - and protects 25 million refugees, internallydisplaced persons and asylum-seekers, more thanhalf of whom are women and children. All of us arebeing asked to do more as Member States recog-nize both the immense value of our services and thelimits of what they can do by themselves in aninterdependent world. Fiscal constraints are mak-ing these life-saving tasks harder still.

I am proud of the progress we have achieved, fromdisaster response to human rights to protecting thepoor and vulnerable from the impact of the eco-

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nomic crisis. But I am also painfully aware of thedistance still to travel, and of the life-threateninggap between commitment and action. That is why Ihave begun to speak about the need for a renewedmultilateralism - one that delivers what peopleexpect of our Organization. We must step up ourefforts, including to seal the deal on climate changein Copenhagen in December.

I am also encouraged by staff support for efforts tobuild a modern workplace. Results-based manage-ment now links senior managers' appointmentswith performance evaluation. Senior officials havedisclosed their financial assets. We have developeda system-wide code of ethics for consideration bythe General Assembly in September. I have askedOHRM to prepare a plan to revamp the entry-levelhiring system. To promote upward mobility, therewill no longer be any contract extensions beyondretirement age. And to achieve gender balance,more women have been appointed to senior posi-tions than ever before, nearly tripling their numberin top managerial roles.

Today, we welcome two more such buildingblocks.

First, the new internal justice system begins work.This marks a new beginning; the era of delayed jus-tice is over. We now have a truly professionalizedway to handle work-related disputes and discipli-nary matters, thanks in great part to the contribu-tions of the Staff Management CoordinationCommittee. The judges are highly experienced andwill work impartially, independent of any other UNentity. I was pleased to swear them in last week,and glad to note that the New York Staff Union rep-resentatives attended the ceremony. We are anOrganization created to resolve conflicts; let us alsobe the very best at handling those within our ownhouse.

Second, new contractual arrangements and condi-tions of service take effect today. We are on ourway to becoming a Global Secretariat. Instead ofnearly a dozen different types of contracts, nowthere are just three, under one set of staff rules.

Here, too, staff were invaluable in helping to designproposals that reflect the Organization's growingfield presence. No doubt we will discover short-comings and experience growing pains. As we do,I hope we will stay focused on the main objectives.I want staff to be able to move more freely aroundour Organization without being penalized. I wantyou to be able to take on greater responsibility farearlier in your careers. And I want you to enjoygreater job security, especially in these uncertaintimes. With that in mind, I recently lifted the freezeon permanent appointments for those staff whohave reached eligibility on or before 30 June 2009.

Also this week, the Capital Master Plan shifts intohigher gear. Many New York staff have alreadymoved to new offices in the various swing spaceswe have enlisted to see us through the refurbish-ment. By the end of the year, all of us atHeadquarters will have said farewell to the UnitedNations complex as we have known it. The over-haul is a matter of physical necessity; these build-ings no longer meet our needs, not least in terms ofsafety and energy efficiency. But we also want tocreate a more open working environment as a spurto creativity and innovation. I thank you for yourunderstanding and indulgence as constructionmoves ahead. I plan to make regular visits to everynew staff location, and do whatever I can to ensurewe stay connected and keep the disruptions to aminimum.

Staff security remains a top priority. The year 2008marked a terrible milestone: 132 UN peacekeeperslost their lives while serving in hotspots around theworld, the highest one-year total in the history ofUN peacekeeping. UN staff across the system reg-ularly face danger and put themselves on the linewhile serving the cause of peace. I will continue todemand safety, justice and accountability in theface of intimidation and violence. Moreover, thenew head of the Department of Safety and Securityhas now taken up his duties; we plan to present tothe General Assembly in September a plan to fur-ther strengthen what we do to reduce risk andenable you to carry out your jobs.

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As we enter this new period in the life of ourOrganization, I would like to reaffirm my commit-ment to supporting you in every possible way. Letus work as a team; let us work as one; let us makeour organization a model of efficiency, effective-ness, transparency and accountability. My door isopen to you. It is your talents and devotion thathave brought us this far, and I will continue to needyour thoughts, criticisms and ideas. I invite yourcomments through iSeek, and pledge to consider all

of them with the seriousness they deserve. Thankyou again for your contributions to building astronger United Nations for a better future for allhumankind.

With great admiration and respect, I remain,

Yours sincerely,Ban Ki-moon

UPDATE ON UNITED NATIONS CONTRACTUAL REFORM

(A UNDP Bulletin containing the following update on UN Contractual Reform has been sent to allUNDP staff on behalf of Akiko Yuge, Assistant Administrator and Director, Bureau of Management.It should also be of interest to retirees.)

Dear Colleagues,

In connection with the UN-wide contractual reform, andfurther to the message to all staff from the AssociateAdministrator of 9 April 2009, I am pleased to sharewith you the amended Staff Regulations, which havebeen issued by the UN Secretary-General in accordancewith the General Assembly Resolution A/RES/63/271.They will enter into force on 1 July 2009. Based on theStaff Regulations, the Office of Human ResourcesManagement (OHRM) in the UN Secretariat is finaliz-ing the new Staff Rules in close consultation with theUN Funds and Programmes, staff representatives andthe Office of Legal Affairs (OLA).

The senior management of UNDP has been carefullyconsidering the contractual reform and its impact on ourstaff and business operations. The Office of HumanResources (OHR) in the Bureau of Management (BoM)has been working on guidelines for the new contractualmodalities and on transition measures. A series of com-munication initiatives have been launched to informstaff of the imminent changes. Periodic consultationshave been held with the Staff Council to ensure that staffconcerns are being duly considered. With these impor-tant initiatives and discussions in mind, I am pleased toconfirm that UNDP is ready to implement the contrac-tual reform as of 1 July 2009.

Although the contractual reform only applies to staffmembers (100-, 200-, 300-series contract holders) and

does not apply to other personnel (holders of SpecialService Agreements {SSA}, Service Contracts andUNVs), Country Offices and HQs Bureaus and Unitsneed guidance on managing the impact of the contractu-al reform on their entire workforce. Towards this end,OHR/BoM has been working on the following initia-tives:

1. Appointments of Limited Duration (ALD) transitionarrangements. ALD contracts can no longer be offeredon or after 1 July 2009, consistent with the transitionalmeasures provided for in the soon-to-be-released newStaff Rules. In order to minimize the impact this mayhave on the business operations of offices and units,OHR/BoM has defined the conditions under which finalextensions may be granted to ALDs (in order to givetime to hiring units to establish new positions under thenew contractual modalities - Temporary Appointments{TA} and Fixed-Term Appointments {FTA}, if thefunctions are still needed and funds are available - pro-vided that the decision on extension is made andprocessed by 30 June at the latest.) Such extensionscannot bring any ALD beyond the four-year maximumperiod and no ALD can have an expiry date of later than31 December 2010. Thus, 31 December 2010 is the cut-off date for all ALDs, which means that on 1 January2011 there will be no ALD holders in UNDP. A specialmessage explaining the impact of the contractual reformon the ALD-holders has been disseminated through theMPN-HR network.

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2. TA guidelines. OHR/BoM has developed TA guide-lines that will facilitate the implementation ofTemporary Appointments effective 1 July 2009. Thesewill be released as soon as some of their critical ele-ments are confirmed by OHRM.

3. 100-series and 200-series appointment transitionarrangements. As indicated in the earlier communica-tions, the 100- and 200- series appointments of staff willbe honoured until the expiry date of their contracts.Effective 1 July 2009, these appointments will be gov-erned by the amended Staff Regulations and new StaffRules. I am pleased to share with you the FrequentlyAsked Questions (FAQs), which provide detailed infor-mation on the transition of 100- series and 200- seriesappointments into the new FTAs, consistent with thetransitional measures provided for in the Staff Rulesexpected to be released shortly.

4. Transition of staff under concurrent appointments.Data on "dual"/concurrent appointments is currentlybeing reviewed by OHR/BoM in order to advise staffholding such appointments, on a case-by-case basis, onoptions available to them.

5. Transition of staff on inter-agency movements.OHR/BoM has contacted all Agencies on whose behalfUNDP administers staff to seek their instructions on thetransition of their staff in the context of the contractualreform. Welcoming this initiative, some Agencies havealready confirmed that that they expect their staff gov-erned by the UN Staff Rules to be transitioned in accor-dance with the UNDP transition arrangements.

6. Human resources policies. HR policies are beingupdated to be in line with the Staff Regulations andRules and will be finalized once the new Staff Rules arereleased by OHRM. Upon finalization, all policies willbe published in the UNDP Programme and OperationsPolicies and Procedures (POPP) document.

7. Capacity building. Face-to-face and virtual trainingsessions are being conducted to help HR practitioners

and Operations Managers in Country Offices and in HQto implement the contractual changes expeditiously andwithin the required time frame. A total of 28 such train-ing sessions have been organized so far and 10 more arescheduled for the coming days.

8. Communication to staff. A comprehensive communi-cations strategy has been launched to inform staff ofmeasures to implement the contractual reform, and of itsimplications. Periodic messages are shared with staffthrough face-to-face information sessions, the MPN net-work, the contractual reform website (<http://prac-tices.undp.org/management/hr/CR/CR_Intro.cfm>), theweekly newsletter and the on-line blog(<http://news.home.undp.org/hr>) that also provides aforum for discussion.

It is expected that the new Staff Rules will stipulate theneed for a one-time review of long-serving 100-seriesstaff members with a view to converting their appoint-ments into Permanent Appointments (PA). The applica-ble procedure and implications for the Organization arestill under consideration. We will revert to you as soonas possible on specific implementation steps.

During these past weeks, OHR/BOM has been workingvery closely with the HQs Bureaux and Country Officesto ensure that the reform process is as seamless as pos-sible. Work will continue in the upcoming weeks tominimize the impact of changes on your day-to-daybusiness operations as well as on the capacity of officesto deliver on their results.

We are aware that any transition process is likely to bea period of uncertainty and apprehension. Should youhave any questions, please get in touch with theBAS/OHR Advisor in your respective Regional Bureau,who will provide you with guidance and advice, asrequired.

Thank you very much for your cooperation and under-standing. With best regards,

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AFICS (NY) GOVERNING BOARD CO-OPTS NEW MEMBERS; ELECTS OFFICERS

At its meeting on 15 September meeting, the AFICS (NY) Governing Board co-opted the following to serve on itsGoverning Board: Denis Biesel, Anne Gunning, Puran Sharma, and Linda Saputelli.

The Governing Board elected (or re-elected) the following officers:

President: Edward OmotosoFirst Vice President: Linda SaputelliSecond Vice President: J. Fernando Astete

Secretary: Christine Smith-LemarchandDeputy Secretary: Louise LaheurteDeputy Treasurer: Puran Sharma

A Treasurer will be elected at a later date.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

We extend a warm welcome to the following new mem-bers, who joined AFICS (NY) after the end of May2009. We also invite all members to join one or more ofour Committees: Aging…Legal… Membership… NGO

Relations and Information… Outreach… Pension…Social. If interested please conact the AFICS (NY)office: Tel: (212) 963-2943; E-mail: [email protected]

Membership Committee

Mrs. Frances Mary BEDNARUN/DTCD Tech. Cooperation

Mrs. Viola CORPUSWHO (Widow of Benjamin P. Corpus)

Mr. Jean-Claude R. FABYUNHQ/DESA Director

Mr. J.F. HOFFMANNUN Social Science

*Mr. Abraham JOSEPHUNMIT

*Ms. Rosemary J. NOONAUNHQ Legal Librarian

Mr. Michael PELLETIERUN/DPKO Director

*Ms. Diana PENNACCHIO-RUSSLERUNHQ/DSS/SG

Ms. Jane PITTSON-CHIANESEUNHQ/DGACM Chief, Meetings Management

*Ms. Agatha PRATTUNICEF Chief, Child Survival Development

Ms. Catherine ROLLANDUNHQ/DFS Recruitment & Outreach Unit

*Ms. Herminia ROQUEUN Editorial

Ms. Janett SERRANOUNHQ/DGACM Meeting Service

Mr. Daniel SIENRAUNHQ Information Officer

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Ms. Linda STODDARTUNHQ/OICT Chief, Knowledge Management

Mr. Steven TAYLORUN Senior Security Officer

*Ms. Rashida TENNYUNDP Programme Associate

*Ms. Isabelle VAN BOCKSTAELEUN/OSAA Adm.

* Life Members

Committee on NGO Relations & Information

Some 1300 non-governmental organization representa-tives, including FAFICS representatives, attended the62nd Annual DPI/NGO Conference entitled "DisarmNow: For Peace and Development" held in MexicoCity, 9-11 September 2009, at the Mexican Ministry ofForeign Affairs and at various nearby convents andmuseums.

In addition to plenary sessions, the Conference includedfour roundtables and 24 late afternoon workshops. Itproduced a 46-paragraph NGO Declaration, read outand approved by acclamation at the closing ceremonyon 11 September.

As part of the follow-up action of the Conference, it wasannounced that it is envisioned that the Declaration willbe presented by Mexico - a member of the UN SecurityCouncil - to the 24 September meeting of that Council.That meeting, on the subject of disarmament, will bechaired by President Obama of the United States.

The Conference featured addresses by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; President of the 63rd Sessions ofthe General Assembly d'Escoto Brockmann (by video);Nobel Prize laureate, Jody Williams; Roberto Zamora ofCosta Rico; Sergio Duarte, UN High Representative for

Disarmament; Tadatoshi Akiba, mayor of Hiroshima;Kiyo Akasaka, chief of DPI; and Charles Hitchcock,chair of the Conference.

In their "Disarming for Peace and Development"Declaration, Conference participants, guided by theSecretary-General's five-point proposal for nuclear dis-armament and alarmed that 1,000 people were killedevery day by small arms and 3,000 more were seriouslyinjured, called for strict government regulation over thesale, trade, possession and use of small arms, as well asstrong support for an effective arms trade treaty for alltypes of conventional weapons. Non-governmentalorganizations called on governments and internationalorganizations to obtain the necessary signatures and rat-ifications to bring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-BanTreaty (CTBT) into force without further delay or con-ditions. They also urged them to propose disarmamentstrategies and programmes as provided by the UnitedNations Charter, during the upcoming Security Councilsummit on disarmament, and called for reform of theCouncil to make it more representative and accountableto respond to violations of disarmament and non-prolif-eration obligations.

Stafford Mousky

Members of the AFICS (NY) Committee on NGO Relations & Information often attend meetings of interest to theorganization and report back to AFICS, as well as to FAFICS. Here are two recent reports from members of thisCommittee:

"DISARM NOW! FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT"

62nd Annual DPI/NGO ConferenceMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico City, Mexico

9 to 11 September 2009

(Note: For additional information on the Conference interested parties are directed to MeetingCoverage of the Conference by the United Nation's Department of Information, most especially toNGO/682 PI1910 found on-line at < un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/ngo682.doc.>)

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2010 NGO GLOBAL WOMEN'S FORUM FOR BEIJING +15

NGO representatives met on 22 September to flesh outorganizational and substantive issues in preparation forthe 2010 NGO Global Women's Forum for Beijing +15,to he held immediately before the session of theCommittee on the Status of Women (CSW) next March.

Over 2,000 participants are expected for the 27-28February meeting, in conference spaces provided by theSalvation Army. There will be study groups and reportsfor each of the 12 areas of concern in the BejingPlatform of Action, a round table organized with theDivision for the Advancement of women, and an exhib-it in the UN General Assembly lobby to illustrate

progress (with which we have signed up to assist.)

The objective is to enable a well-informed and activeNGO participation in the 15-year CSW review of theBeijing Platform.

Action item for (F)AFICS: organizers have requestedthat member organizations promote the Global Forumand the Beijing Platform review via their variousnewsletters.

Luciana Marulli

AFICS CRUISE AROUND NEW YORK: SAVE THE DATE

Come aboard the Spirit Cruise and enjoy a most entertaining lunch-time experience on theHudson River - A Grande Lunch Buffet; dancing to the tunes of a DJ; singing waiters; a dazzling

stage show; and an outdoor patio deck with amazing views of New York's historic harbor!

Date: Thursday, 19 November 2009Sailing From: Chelsea Piers, Manhattan

Boarding Time: 11:30 AMSailing Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Cost: $45.00

Space is limited, so please indicate your interest ASAP by E-mail to: <[email protected]>; or byTelephone: (212) 963 - 2943.

WORKSHOP FOR INTERNATIONAL RETIREE ASSOCIATIONSHOSTED BY WORLD BANK IN WASHINGTON D.C.

For perhaps the very first time, retiree associations ofthe World Bank Group, regional development banks, theOrganization of American States and the United Nationssystem met in a workshop where they exchanged infor-mation and compared notes on several substantiveissues of common interest to their memberships.

The Workshop for International Retiree Associationswas organized and hosted by the 1818 Association - theassociation of retirees of the World Bank. It was held at

the headquarters of the Bank, at 1818 H Street NorthWest, Washington D.C. on 24 September 2009.

The organizations represented at this inaugural work-shop were:

-The 1818 Society: the World Bank Group Alumni(retirees) -Association of Retirees Organization American States -AROAS

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-International Development Bank - IDB-International Monetary Fund Retiree Association -IMFRA-Association of Former Employees of the AsianDevelopment Bank - AFE-ADB-Pan American Health Organization/World HealthOrganization - PAHO/WHO-Association of Former International Civil Servants -AFICS (NY).

AFICS (NY) was representedby its President, EdwardOmotoso, Second Vice-President Fernando Astete,President of the Association'sWashington D.C Chapter,Paul Belanga and itsSecretary David Waugh.

In four working groups, the

participants conducted intensive discussions on fourmajor items of fundamental importance to retirees:Association governance; Pensions; Health/Insurance;and website, communications and social networking.

The AFICS (NY) delegation considered the workshop avery interesting new forum that could facilitate a usefulexchange of ideas in the common interest of retirees

within and outsidethe immediateUnited Nations sys-tem, in addition tothose of colleaguesin FAFICS. The par-ticipants suggestedthat consideration begiven to continuingsuch workshops inthis forum in thefuture.

YOUR AFICS (NY) LIBRARYBy Dawne Gautier, Librarian

In 2005, AFICS (NY) established a library of books byUN Authors for its members. Most of the books aredevoted to memoirs or analyses of world problemsviewed from the perspectives of long-time internationalcivil servants. There are also several novels.

Since its inception, the library's collection has doubledin size due to donations received from our members. Wethank them all. To donate works that you have createdor copies of books authored by others in the UN system,please contact the Librarian, Dawne Gautier at 212-963-2943 or E-mail her at <[email protected]>.

The Library, located in the AFICS office, DC1-580 isopen the first Wednesday of the month from 10am-4pm.

Items may be borrowed and returned only at that timeand kept for a period of one month. Members arerequired to make a deposit of $10.00 each time a bookis borrowed, to be reimbursed upon that book's return orrolled over to cover the borrowing of another book.

To inform readers about the contents of our collection,we are disseminating in four parts, the list of titles itcontains. Part I, covering authors A - C, appeared in theJanuary 2009 Bulletin. Part II, containing titles byauthors D - L, appeared in the April 2009 issue. Part III,containing titles by authors M - R, appeared in the July2009 issue. Please find below Part IV, covering authorsS - Z.

146. Sierpinska, Zofia. Anatema. 1994.Polish

147. ________. Catholic Woman's Conversations With God. 1998.

148. ________. In Defense of God. 1998.149. ________. Second Shoe. 2002.150. ________. Wailing Wall Street. 151. ________. Woman Reading the Holy

Scriptures. New York: Vantage Press, 1997.152. Singh, Jyoti. Creating a New Consensus on

Population : the International Conference on Population and Development. London: Earthscan Publications Ltd., 1998.

153. ________. Population Challenge in Asia : Parliamentarians As Advocates and Policy Makers . Washington, D. C.: Population 2005, 2002.

154. ________. South to South. Washington, D.C.: Population 2005, 2002.

Fernando Astete, Edward Omotoso, Paul Belanga

155. ________. De Sur a Sur. Washington D.C.: Population 2005, 2000.

156. Sloan, Blaine. United Nations General Assembly Resolutions in Our Changing World. USA: Transnational Publishers, Inc., 1991.

157. Snyder, Margaret. American Partnership With the New Africa : Questions of Power, Justice and Gender. New York: Phelps-Stokes Fund, 1999.

158. ________. Women in African Economies : From Burning Sun to Boardroom. Uganda: Fountain Publishers, 2000.

159. ________. and Mary Tadesse. African Women and Development : a History. London: Zed Books Ltd., 1995.

160. Srinivasan, Lyra. Options for Educators : a Monograph for Decision Makers on Alternative Participatory Strategies. USA: PACT/CDS, 1992.

161. Stepanek, Antoinette Farnham. A Town Called Shaoyang : Witnessing Dynastic Changes in China. Colorado: Gold Hill Publications, 1992.

162. Stepanek, Joseph E. Town Called Shaoyang : Introducing Industry Appropriate to China. Colorado, USA: Gold Hill Publications, 1992.

163. Sze, Szeming. Medical Work in China : a Personal Memoir, 1934-1941, Part II.Florida, USA: L.I.S.Z. Publications, 1984.

164. ________. Working for the United Nations : a Personal Memoir, 1948-1954, 1954-1968. L.I.S.Z.

Publications, 1968.165. ________. World War II Memoirs, 1941-45.

Part III. 1985.166.. ________. Dictionary of Globalese :

International Language of the Future. USA: L.I.S.Z. Publications, 1990.

167. ________. L.I.S.Z. List of International Words.1988.

168. Tacchi, Leopoldo. Reflexiones Del Psicologo : Vida, Amor, Humanidad. Santiago, 1986.

169. Temu, Peter E. Fighting to Keep My Job : CaseStudy of a United Nations Retiree. USA:

Author House, 2007.170. Tolba, Mostafa Kamal. Development Without

Destruction : Evolving Environmental Perceptions . Dublin: Tycooly International Publishing, 1982.

171. Townley, Ralph. Madam, I'm Adam : a ModernMasque in Three Acts. 1989.

172. Tsien, Patricia Koo. Huand Shing-Yi eds. Serving the United Nations : a Collection of Memoirs of Chinese Former International CivilServants. San Ramon, Ca.: Falcon Books, 2007.

173. U Thant. Toward World Peace : Addresses andPublic Statements 1957-1963. New York: Thomas Yoseloff, 1964.

174.. ________. View From the UN . New York: Double Day, 1978.

175. United Nations Women's Guild, comp. Ride With the Sun : an Anthology of Folk Tales andStories From Countries of the United Nations.2004.

176. Urquhart, Brian. Hammarskjold. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1972.

177. ________. Ralph Bunche : an American Life.New York: W.W. Norton & co., 1998.

178. Vickers, Jeanne. Women and the World Economic Crisis. London: Zed Books, 1991.

179. ________. Women and War. London: Zed Books, 1993.

180. Waddy, Broughton and Ralph Townley. Word orTwo Before You Go. USA: George J McLeod, 1980.

181. Watts, Kenneth. Outwards From Home : a Planner's Odyssey. England: The Book Guild Ltd., 1997.

182. Weitz, Charles H. Who Speaks for the Hungry?How FAO Elects Its Leader. Sweden: Dag Hammarskjold Foundation, 1997.

183. Wickwar, Hardy. Power and Service : a Cross-National Analysis of Public Administration.New York: Greenwood Press, 1991.

184. Widyono, Benny. Dancing in Shadows : Sihanouk, the Khmer Rouge, and the United Nations in Cambodia. USA: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc, 2008.

185. Williams, Maurice J. America's Quest for a Safer World : Preemption or Multilateral Restraint of Terrorism. UK: University Press ofAmerica, 2005.

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UN ADVOCATE AMONG THOSE ASSISTED BYAFICS (NY) CHARITIES FOUNDATION

By Suzan S. Habachy, Co-Chair, Assistant Review CommitteeAFICS (NY) Charities Foundation

As reported, in our April Bulletin, during 2008, among the grants to meet emergencies facing former staff mem-bers provided by the AFICS (NY) Charities Foundation in 2008 were three involving funding to help individualsresolve housing problems. In writing to thank the Foundation and its Assistance Review Committee, one gratefulrecipient noted:

"It has been my privilege to have worked in the United Nations and it broadened my outlook on life. Iwill always feel special towards it and encourage people I meet to understand its creation, strengths andfailings, and its mission towards mankind. We are all its ambassadors and we have a responsibility toeducate people we come across to those facts."

The following items should be useful for those engaged in advocacy for the UN:

U.S. AMBASSADOR ADVANCES "OBAMA DOCTRINE" ON UN POLICY

Susan Rice quotes Obama, saying UN is "imperfect but indispensable."

(Adapted from on-line report of article by James Wright)

In her first major address defining the Obama adminis-tration's United Nations policy, UN Ambassador SusanRice said the U.S. government will continue to workwith the international body to fight terrorism and onissues of mutual interests. Rice laid out the administra-tion's philosophy during a 12 Aug. address at New YorkUniversity in New York.

"The global challenges we face cannot be tackled with-out U.S. leadership," said Rice, whose comments repre-sent a marked change from the Bush administration'stendency to not take the UN seriously. "But while U.S.leadership is necessary, it is rarely sufficient. We needthe effective cooperation of a broad range of friends andpartners."

The first African-American woman to serve as what isofficially known as the United States PermanentRepresentative to the United Nations, Rice said that"Washington must lead by example, acknowledge its

mistakes, change its policies and strategies when neces-sary and treat others with respect."

Without mentioning the Bush administration, Rice saidthat in dealing with foreign countries, the Obamaadministration "would avoid the condescension andcontempt that crept into U.S. government attitudestoward the international community."

"We have seen the cost of disengagement," she said."We have paid the price of stiff-arming the UN andspurning our international partners. The United Stateswill lead in the 21st century - not with hubris, not byhectoring, but through patient democracy."

Rice pointed out that the Obama administration haddecided to join the UN Human Rights Council, whichthe Bush administration saw as an anti-Israel forum, asan example of the new approach to world issues. TheUN Human Rights Council monitors the developments

******

of civil and human rights of its 192 members and reportsto the General Assembly with recommendations onwhat the Assembly could do to encourage member gov-ernments to improve their human rights record.

Originally proposed in March 2006, President Bushdirected interim ambassador John Bolton to vote againstthe formation of the council over objections to a clausethat allows other countries to interfere to some extent ineach other's domestic affairs. Despite the negative voteof the U.S. and four other countries, the rights councilwas overwhelmingly approved by the remainder of theGeneral Assembly members.

Rice also said that the Obama administration is deter-mined to improve relations with the Muslim world."We work for change from within rather than criticizingfrom the sidelines," she said. "We stand strong indefense of America's interest and values but we don'tdissent just to be contrary. We listen to states, great andsmall. We build coalitions."

Rice also referred to the Bush administration's repeatedrefusal to pay United Nations dues. During the firstweek in August, Rice announced that the administrationwould hand over more than $2 billion in new and oldcontributions owed to the UN peacekeeping department.

Relations between the U.S. and the UN reached a low-

point in 2003, the year of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan branded thewar an illegal act by the Bush administration and feltdeceived by then Secretary of State Colin Powell in hisfamous address justifying U.S. action in Iraq.

Rice said that the Obama administration is ready towork with the UN to deal with world problems such asthe nuclear programmes of Iran and North Korea, theglobal financial crisis, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,pandemics and global warming.

Despite the support, Rice nevertheless said that the UNhas to get its priorities in order and has problems of itsown to solve. "A serious gap still separates the vision ofthe UN founders from the institution of today," she said."The Security Council is less driven than it was in thecoldest days of the Cold War, but still stumbles wheninterests and values diverge, as they do over such issuesas Darfur, Zimbabwe and Burma (Myanmar). In theGeneral Assembly, member states still often let politicaltheater distract from real deliberation and decision."

Rice quoted President Obama, saying that the "UN isimperfect; but it is also indispensible."

"In short, the UN is essential to our efforts to galvanizeconcerted actions that make Americans safer and moresecure," she said.

UN INCREASINGLY INVOLVED IN DEMOCRACY BUILDING, SAYS S-GON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY


On 15 September, 2009, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spotlighted the growing trend for emergingdemocracies to seek help from the United Nations, in amessage marking the International Day of Democracy.

While democracy is considered as the optimal socialand political system, the challenges to consolidatingdemocracy around the world remain "formidable andnumerous," stressed Mr. Ban. "Demand for UN assis-tance with institution-building, elections, the rule oflaw, the strengthening of civil society and other keyaspects of democracy have grown considerably," he saidon the second annual celebration of the Day. "Restoringor building new democracies, preserving fragile democ-racies and improving the quality of even long-estab-

lished democracies requires commitment and hardwork," he added.

To support the world body's efforts in establishingdemocracies, Mr. Ban said he has created a set of guide-lines committing the entire UN organization to princi-pled, coherent and consistent action, and to "ensure thatUN assistance truly helps to build national capacitiesand nurture democratic cultures."

Democracy contributes significantly to economic andsocial progress, international peace and security andrespect for fundamental rights and freedoms, said Mr.Ban, while calling for the UN to "rededicate ourselvesto those principles."

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Underscoring that although primary responsibility fordemocratic change lies within national societies, Mr.Ban said that the international community can play avital supportive role.

In a related development, the winners of a global onlinevideo competition aimed at engaging people in a con-versation centred on democracy were slated to beannounced at a gathering at UN Headquarters in NewYork commemorating the day. Over 900 contestantsfrom 95 countries submitted videos completing thephrase "Democracy is …," with the six regional winners- ranging from a animated short film about life withoutfree expression to a rap documentary on sound leader-ship - selected by the public through an online vote.

Also on the day, a poll of 24 nations from around theworld on political tolerance was released, showing thatlarge majorities perceive people in their countries to notbe completely free to express their views, and that oppo-sition parties have limited freedom to speak out. TheWorldPublicOpinion.org survey is "very ambitious and

representative," Oscar Fernández-Taranco, AssistantSecretary-General for Political Affairs, told reporters inNew York. The poll - nearly 90 per cent of whoserespondents said it is important to live in democratical-ly governed countries - provides much "food for thoughtin terms of how the UN can use these findings in itsactions on the ground," he said.

The Organization increasingly supports elections, butMr. Fernández-Taranco highlighted that the world bodyplays a crucial post-election role by promoting goodgovernance and respect of fundamental freedoms.

At the same press briefing, Craig Mokhiber, DeputyDirector, New York Office of the High Commissionerfor Human Rights (OHCHR), pointed out that "the term'democracy' has been much misused through the years."In the UN's view, he said, democracy encompasses freeexpression and opinion, equality before the law, and thewill of the people as the basis of governmental authori-ty, among other things.

WORLD FALLING SHORT ON PLEDGES TOLIFT PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY, SAYS UN REPORT


Governments are falling well short of the financial com-mitments made to help developing countries climb outof poverty and meet other internationally agreed goalsaimed at combating hunger and a host of other socialand economic ills by 2015, according to a UnitedNations report launched on 16 September 2009.

Global poverty-fighting commitments are more impor-tant than ever in a world facing economic, food and cli-mate crises, said the report, "Strengthening the GlobalPartnership for Development in a Time of Crisis," pre-pared by the UN's Millennium Development Goal(MDG) Gap Task Force.

The report highlights a gap of $35 billion per year on the2005 pledge on annual aid flows made by the Group ofEight (G8) industrialized countries at a summit inGleneagles, United Kingdom, including a $20 billionannual shortfall on commitments to Africa despiterecord levels of development assistance in 2008.

"We made substantial advances in strengthening theglobal partnership for development… before the finan-

cial and economic crisis began," said Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro at the launch of the report atUN Headquarters in New York. "We now need a newpush to counter the threat the crisis poses to our hardwon goals."

Speaking as world leaders prepared for the followingweek's annual high-level debate at the GeneralAssembly in New York and the summit in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania in the U.S. for the Group of 20 (G20)leading economic nations, Ms. Migiro underscored theimpact of the global recession, food shortages, anexpected spread of influenza pandemic this year and cli-mate change as barriers to realizing the MDGs. She alsosaid that the Secretary-General has urged the interna-tional community to deliver on its long-standing com-mitments to increase financial and technical support todeveloping countries, noting that governments may betempted to focus on narrow concerns in times of crisis."This would be a grave mistake," she stressed, addingthat if recent events "have taught us anything it is thatwe are all interconnected."

The MDG Gap Task Force - bringing together morethan 20 UN agencies, the International Monetary Fund(IMF), the World Bank, the World Trade Organization(WTO), and the Organization for EconomicCooperation and Development (OECD) - was createdby Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2007 to trackglobal commitments on aid, trade and debt, and to fol-low progress on access to essential medicines and tech-nology.

"The Millennium Development Goals are more than aset of targets," said Ms. Migiro. "They are a solemnpromise to the world's poorest and most vulnerable."Other speakers at the launch were Kwame Sundaram,Assistant Secretary-General for EconomicDevelopment; Olav Kjorven, Director of the Bureau forDevelopment Policy at the UN DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP); and Rob Vos, Director of PolicyAnalysis in the Department of Social and EconomicAffairs (DESA).

TEN STORIES THE WORLD SHOULD HEAR MORE ABOUT

UN Releases Latest List


From the struggles of Colombia's indigenous people tothe countless civilians displaced by violence in theCentral African Republic (CAR) to United Nationsefforts to crack down on the trafficking of arms, drugsand human beings through ports, the UN Department ofPublic Information (DPI) has unveiled its latest list ofstories it believes deserve greater global attention.

"Ten Stories the World Should Hear More About,"launched on 8 September 2009, aims to spotlight UN-related issues or developments that are sometimes over-looked by the media in an age when social networkingsites and other forms of new media are changing theways in which people receive information.

Kiyo Akasaka, Under-Secretary-General forCommunications and Public Information, said that intoday's densely-packed media environment, where sitessuch as Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter are com-monplace for many people, DPI tries to draw attentionto stories that have important implications - if notalways headlines - in different parts of the world.

"At the UN, we are deeply conscious of the need tobridge the divide between those who do and do notalways have the benefits of the latest technology, butalso to participate in the dialogue that is taking place

among those who are engaging via new modes of pub-lic discussion," he said.

This year's list, like those in years past, includes storiesof both struggles and achievements. It details the neg-lected emergency of CAR, where tens of thousands ofcivilians have been displaced by violence, and the strug-gles of indigenous people in Colombia, where they havefaced brutal treatment from armed groups for manyyears.

The other stories include growing concern at how WestAfrica has become a transit hub for drug trafficking,which is fuelling corruption and instability across theregion, as well as details of how the UN is helping withthe efforts of port authorities worldwide to crack downon the trafficking of arms, drugs and human beings.

Meanwhile, the problems caused by skyrocketing foodprices last year have only been exacerbated by the glob-al economic turmoil, leaving millions more people hun-gry, while orbiting debris is threatening the sustainableuse of outer space.

On the positive front, a UN-backed commission inGuatemala that tackles organized crime is offering aunique form of assistance for a country emerging from

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conflict, while the UN General Assembly's adoption ofthe Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Economic,Social and Cultural Rights provides a mechanism forindividuals who feel their rights have been curtailed ordenied.

The other two stories concern the UN's behind-the-scenes work that helped prevent a potentially explosivecrisis in the wake of Kosovo's declaration of independ-ence from Serbia; and the issue of climate change,

where the creation of adaptation strategies has becomeincreasingly important as evidence shows that globalwarming has accelerated.

The list, drawn up in consultation with various UNdepartments and agencies, does not reflect the full rangeof issues on the agenda of the Organization and the 10stories are not ranked in any order. Additional informa-tion on all of them can be found on a special page on theUN website (<www.un.org/events/tenstories>).

AFRICA: 700 MILLION BED NETS TO HELP CONTINENT SLEEP HEALTHIER

By Esther Nakkazi

(Adapted from The East African, Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media {<allAfrica.com>},7 September 2009)

Nairobi - Countries affected by malaria in sub-SaharanAfrica are to benefit from a new campaign involvingdistribution of 700 million bed nets to people living inthe region to reduce deaths caused by the disease by2015.

A number of organizations led by the World HealthOrganization have already mobilized $5 billion for thecampaign, which will involve setting up more factoriesto make bed nets. Currently, only factories under a com-pany called A-Z with plants in Tanzania, Nigeria andEthiopia are making nets for the region.

The campaign is geared at increasing the use of bed netsas the most strategic entry point, using politicians, faith-based organizations and football (soccer) stars to pro-mote using nets.

A WHO delegation touring Uganda last month said thatthe most pragmatic solution is bed nets, but that theywould be used in combination with indoors residualspraying and artemisinin-based combination therapy(ACT). They envisage full bed nets coverage, intensi-fied malaria control initiatives by all African heads ofstate and communities, and no deaths caused by malar-ia by 2015.

"Bed nets are the most appropriate. With wider dissem-ination, we shall achieve our goals, but we need every-body to sleep under a bed net. We promise to do our partand so should everybody," said WHO director generalDr. Margaret Chan.

With 700 million bed nets for endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa, everyone in Uganda (about 30 millionpeople) could get a net. The campaign will particularlyboost Uganda, given that it is among the most affectedcountries. Malaria causes about 320 deaths in Ugandaevery day, mostly among children under the age of fiveyears. According to available information, at least 17million bed nets will be distributed in Uganda over oneyear from December.

According to WHO, 3.3 billion people or nearly half ofthe world's population are at risk of contracting malaria,a disease that kills about a million people every year inAfrica, most of them children under five years and preg-nant women.

"Malaria can be brought to its knees. We have raised $5billion to fully cover almost everybody under bed nets,use residual spraying and ensure that all public facilitiesare fully stocked with ACTs," Ray Chambers, the UNspecial envoy for malaria said.

The decision to champion bed nets ahead of the othertwo strategies stems from the successful incidence ofmalaria reduction in Rwanda, Zambia, Eritrea andTanzania (including Zanzibar), which recorded nomalaria deaths thanks to a similar bed nets campaign.

National bed net coverage in Tanzania as a whole is 50per cent compared with 90 per cent on its island ofZanzibar and only 40 per cent in Uganda.

But in this campaign, faith-based organizations and

football stars are going to be key in increasing malariaprevention awareness. This has worked in Nigeria.

WHO officials said they expect more firms to take upproduction of bed nets, thus lowering the costs.

However, this was to be finalized at a conference underthe African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), a coali-tion of African heads of State to promote malaria con-trol, being held in September.

WHO HEAD APPLAUDS H1N1 VACCINE DONATIONSFOR DEVELOPING WORLD


The head of the United Nations health agency applaud-ed on 18 September, the announcement of donations ofH1N1 flu vaccine made by several of the world's richestnations, which will help boost supplies to populationsthat would otherwise not have access.

"The announcement demonstrates the commitment ofthese countries to fairness in sharing of scarce resourcesas the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic continues toevolve," Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WorldHealth Organization (WHO), said in a statement.

The United States reportedly said a day earlier that it isprepared to make 10 per cent of its H1N1 vaccine sup-ply available to developing countries through WHO.The announcement by the U.S., in concert withAustralia, Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway,

Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, could not havecome at a better time, noted Dr. Chan. "Current suppliesof pandemic vaccine are inadequate for a world popula-tion in which virtually everyone is susceptible to infec-tion by a new and readily contagious virus," she said."Given that current demand outstrips supply, thesedonations, together with the doses pledged by manufac-turers, will help increase supplies of pandemic vaccinesto populations that would otherwise not have access."

Dr. Chan added that WHO continues to support devel-oping countries to ensure donated vaccines are distrib-uted where they are most needed. As of 11 September,there have been more than 277,600 laboratory con-firmed cases of H1N1 worldwide, with at least 3,200deaths attributed to the pandemic.

OUCH! EARLY FLU SEASON COMES WITH TWO SHOTS

By Dr. Sudershan NarulaAFICS(NY) Bulletin columnist, former Director, UN Medical Service

Get ready to roll up your sleeve not once but twicefor flu shots this fall.

That's right, twice! This year's flu season is shaping upto be a very different one. Most people will need oneshot for the regular seasonal flu and another one to pro-tect against the new HINI flu, also known as "swine flu."

While the world's attention is focused on the H1N1 fluvirus, seasonal flu viruses are expected to wreak theirusual havoc this fall and winter.

Although combining the vaccines for the H1N1 flu andseasonal flu into one shot is theoretically possible, itwas too late to try it this year. Decisions were made lastwinter about what flu strains to use in this year's season-al vaccine, and production was too far along by the timeswine flu hit in April 2009 to alter the formula.

Therefore, seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines willhave to be given as separate shots, even if it's duringthe same appointment.

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The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices(ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention has two different lists for who should be firstto get the seasonal flu shot and who should be first to getthe H1N1 flu shot.

For the regular seasonal flu vaccine, the elderly, healthcare workers and pregnant women are among the prior-ity groups. For the H1N1 flu vaccine, health care work-ers and pregnant women are on the priority list but notthe elderly, who seem to have some immunity to theH1N1 flu.

1. Seasonal flu shot

The seasonal flu vaccine is currently available.

Experts suggest getting your seasonal flu shot as early as possible, particu-larly for the elderly, health care workers and pregnant women.

This year's seasonal flu vaccine will notprotect against the H1N1 flu. It is directed against other strains of flu expected to be circulating this flu sea-son.

Note: Once the UN Medical Service receives its supplyof seasonal flu vaccine and starts its campaign, retireesare expected to be welcome as usual, on a first-comefirst-served basis, as long as the supply lasts.

2. H1N1 flu shots

The licensed H1N1 flu vaccine is expected to be available in early October, 2009.

Clinical trials were started in August 2009 to determine safety, effectivenessand dosing.

As per the first clinical trial results, published on 10 September, 2009, theH1N1 flu vaccine appears to work for healthy adults with just one shot and within 10 days. The only reported sideeffects have been a sore arm and a low-grade fever, just as with the seasonal flushot.

Expect vaccination campaigns to start in mid-October to inoculate the 160 million Americans who are considered

most at risk. To prepare for this campaign, more

than 2,800 local health departments have begun recruiting paediatricians, obstetricians, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics and even dentists, along with a small army of volunteers from churches and other groups. They are devising strategies to reach children, teenagers, pregnant women and young and middle-aged adults in inner cities, suburban enclaves and the countryside.

This is potentially the largest mass-vaccination program in human histo-ry.

On July 29, 2009, ACIP determined which population groups should be tar-geted first for vaccination, taking into consideration the projected vaccine supply when vaccine is first available and the expected increase in vaccine availability during the following six months.

The vaccination efforts focus on five key populations and are designed to help reduce the impact and spread of H1N1 flu:

o pregnant women;o persons who live with or pro-

vide care for infants aged <6months (e.g., parents, siblings,and day-care providers);

o health-care and emergency medical services personnel;

o persons aged 6 months-24 years; and

o persons aged 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complica-tions.

Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons aged >65 years is less than the risk for persons inyounger age groups. Expanding vacci-nation recommendations to include adults aged >65 years is recommendedonly after assessment of vaccine avail-ability and demand at the local level.

The aim of the H1N1 campaign is to vaccinate at least half the country's population within months. The United States has never tried to immunize so many so quickly.

3. H1N1 flu

Here are a few words about the H1N1 flu, just in case you have not already heard enough about it!

H1N1 flu was first identified in April 2009 and is now responsible for almostall flu cases in the United States. It hascaused more than 1 million illnesses sofar, though most were mild and not reported, as per the CDC estimates.

This year's fall H1N1 swine flu out-break started in early September. It is expected to peak in mid-to-late Occtober, and to linger for several years.

Unlike seasonal flu, the age groups affected are generally younger. The most severe cases and deaths have occurred in adults under the age of 50 years, with deaths in the elderly com-paratively rare.

i) Concerns:

Although the H1N1 flu appears no more dangerous than typical seasonal flu, the new virus is highly contagious and likely to infect many more people because most have no immunity againstit.

Those with pre-existing conditions - asthma, heart disease, diabetes - are prone to serious complications.

Though the elderly have been less like-ly to catch the H1N1 flu, those who doget infected are more likely to become seriously ill, according to CDC offi-cials.

People older than 65 also should be

given anti-viral drugs if they develop flu-like symptoms and they should see their physician within 24-48 hours of developing symptoms.

(ii) The good news is that:

the H1N1 flu risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than therisk for younger age groups;

the virus has not crossbred with other flu viruses or mutated to become morelethal;

while some resistance to Tamiflu, an anti-viral prescription medicine, has been found in several countries, it has not become widespread;

most of the healthy adults who have contracted flu recently had a short ill-ness and did not need Tamiflu.

(iii) Symptoms:

A fever of 100 degrees F or greater, plus a cough or sore throat and possiblyother symptoms like runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, vomit-ing or diarrhoea.

(iv) Prevention:

Same as for seasonal flu:o Wash hands often and vigor-

ously for 30 seconds with soapand water;

o Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve;

o Stay home if you are sick, till your temperature is back to normal for 24 hours;

o Get a vaccination when avail-able.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound ofcure, so get the recommended shots this season and fol-low the common sense preventative measures asdescribed above.

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Dear Editor:

"The Difference Between Active and Former UN StaffMembers" (AFICS Bulletin, New York, Vol. 40, No.3 ofJuly 2009) is a reflection of the hangover that newretirees feel when they have retired from the organiza-tion. The retiree gets the feeling that he or she can yetcontribute and should or ought to be rehired by the UNto render his/her expertise. This is a further reflectionthat UN staff must plan for their post retirement life atleast five years before retirement and be ready for a sec-ond life completely devoid of UN dependency. Butherein lines the dilemma.

The UN retirement age of 60 or 62 years is ancient and

completely out-of-date. People are now living muchlonger and are able to work longer as well. While manysocial security systems have advanced retirement to 65or 67 years of age, the UN is still clinging to a retire-ment rule that is far outdated and needs urgent revision.Without much delay, the UN should consider extendingthe retirement age for "all staff" to 65 or 66 in all cate-gories without any special reservations for staff in theASG or USG categories.

Merrill CassellFormer Budget Director of UNICEF

(Editor's Note: In fact, extension of the retirement ageis now being discussed. See page 11.)

White Plains, New York19 August 2009xxxxxxx

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE:PERCEPTIONS AND REALITIES

By Ambassador Murari R. Sharma and Dr. Ajit M. Banerjee

This book identifies and analyses strategic issues facingthe human resource management of the United Nations,reviews their impact on its performance, suggests reme-dies to address those lacunas and proposes measures tomake the entity competitive, efficient, and effective. Ittells where there is a need to strengthen the UN'sInternational Civil Service, where to cut back, and waysand means of removing duplication and overlaps.Frequent references to the human resource managementof the European Commission and national governmentsgive a refreshing glimpse of best practices.

The International Civil Service was established over

three decades ago through the outstanding initiative ofthe first UN Secretary-General, Trygve Lie. It startedwith a couple of hundred staff members and a budget ofa few million dollars and now has over 100,000 staffand a several billion dollar budget.

On 11 September 2009 the book was launched by H. E.Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who congratulated theauthors for their research and analysis, which resulted ina book that will appeal to readers of various shades andinterests. The presentation was hosted by H.E. Mr.Hardeep Singh Puri, Permanent Representative andAmbassador of India to the United Nations. The

Ambassador sug-gested that a blueribbon commissionshould be constitut-ed to review thecivil service andmake recommenda-tions for itsimprovement.

The book is a mustread for diplomats,policy makers andpoliticians, as wellas for UN staffmembers wishingto gain a better grasp of their human resource manage-ment, and for students of international relations andpolitical science in universities. It contains a specialchapter to assist prospective new entrants seeking a

career with theUnited Nations.

United NationsInternational CivilService: Perceptionsand Realities isavailable at the UNBook Shop in theGeneral AssemblyBuilding @ $53,with a discount forstaff members. (Tel:1-800-553-3210; E-m a i l :<[email protected]>)

Dr. Ajit M. Banerjee

A LIFE AROUND THE WORLD:SURPRISE INTERNATIONAL CAREER LEADS TO GLOBAL ODYSSEY

By Edward Omotoso

(Published by PublishAmerica LLC; www.publishamerica.com)

A Life Around The World is a virtual "Who's Who" ofthe top echelon diplomatic personages of the UnitedNations during three decades, from the 1970s to theearly years of the new century, when the author, EdwardOmotoso, worked for the United Nations. Mr. Omotosohas an enormous memory for names and a huge vocab-ulary - even richer than the richest celebrity mentionedin his autobiography.

He guides the reader on a journey around the world dur-ing his United Nations service, which makes the jobs ofUN employees performing 9-to-5 fixed duty stationdesk jobs - like mine at the Pension Fund - seem dull,boring and uninteresting by comparison. His optimisticview of life oozes throughout the book with phraseslike: "One of the happiest days of my life…," "a goodpart of my good luck…," "the coup de grace…," "I wasfortunate…," "it came about in a fortuitous way…," "bypure happenstance…,"etc. His optimism, I believe, waseven more heightened by the passion he had for his

work, as seen when he takes you down his memory lanewith some amusing anecdotes and intensely engagingincidents that occurred during his career.

Particularly interesting to me was the chapter on Mr.Omotoso's life in the Kingdom of Lesotho. He explainsthe UN's substantive role in the HIV/AIDS problemthere, the peace accord following the general election tochoose a new parliament, and the Water ResourceManagement Project. It made me feel proud to be anemployee of the UN even if I sit behind the same deskyear after year working on pensions. Some of theaccomplishments achieved by the organization aroundthe world as told by him are extremely commendableand heartwarming.

Edward Omotoso is now President of the Association ofFormer International Civil Servants (AFICS {NY}). Iunderstand that he is still travelling around the world ina relentless global odyssey, as he continues to work with

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persons who, after their formal international civil serv-ice employment, remain determined to try to make thisworld a better place. I extend my best wishes for theirsuccess in this effort.

Grace IsraelUN Secretariat, New York

(Editor's note: Mr. Omotoso has kindly donated a copyof his book to the AFICS (NY) Library.)

EQUATOR CROSSINGS

Following up on the book review of Equator Crossings by Paul Huygelen in the April 2009issue of the Bulletin (page 34), Mr. Huygelen has informed us of the increased availability ofhis book and provided some readers' comments.

Readers' Comments

"My wife and I are thoroughly engrossed in your mas-terly written book. You are really a master story-teller,and both the historical subject and the style of writingare truly impressive." (A British reader in Dubai,U.A.E.)

"It is a very instructive book and in fact very interestingconcerning a period of colonization that is rather poorlyknown." (A French reader in Nice, France)

"The aesthetic aspect of the book is very luxurious, theprint easy to read, and the dust jacket attractive. Its styleis chiselled, without ponderousness: it passes on withoutdifficulty a profusion of facts gleaned during research."(A Belgian reader in Brussels, Belgium)

"The story is rich with references, and your deep regardfor history and characters comes through on every page.I can only imagine the amount of research that musthave been required." (An American reader in Chicago,U.S.A.)

"The characters are so clear. I thoroughly enjoy gettingto know them. It is a joy and easy to read. I must admitI trip over some of the African names, although not theArab ones." (An American reader in north Florida)

"I will not remember the names of places and tribes, but

I am enjoying the book and the historical parts thatinvolve Europe." (A Lebanese reader in Beirut,Lebanon)

"Finally I had the time to read the book. It was animpressive historical epic. Your fascinating imaginarycharacters, as well as the cultural descriptions, reallyadded to the historical facts. The dialogue was interest-ing and the descriptive details motivated me to keep onreading. I enjoyed it immensely, and learned a great dealabout an important period of history." (A Canadian read-er in British Columbia, Canada)

"Your command of the English language is truly impres-sive. I might add that it reads like a 19th century novel,a genre that I have always thoroughly enjoyed, withlong and informative dialog in keeping with the histori-cal period. People really used to converse with oneanother. You have caught not only the spirit of the place,but the spirit of the times." (An American reader insouth Florida)

"We have adopted Equator Crossings as our chosen giftto colleagues and friends as well as guests who come tovisit us in Oman." (A foreign Ambassador in Muscat,Sultanate of Oman.)

A fantastic story. Congratulations!" (An American read-er in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.)

Note: Equator Crossings is available to AFICS (NY) members on loan from the AFICS (NY)Library. To obtain information on purchasing a copy, kindly contact Motivate Publishing's onlinebookstore at: <www.booksarabia.com>

FLORIDA

The second quarterly event of the Florida Chapter ofAFICS (NY) was held on 6 June 2009, with 20 mem-bers in attendance. By popular demand, the venue wasthe Thai Thani Restaurant and the topic for the seminarwas Rajayoga Meditation.

The speaker was Dr. V. Krishna, a medical doctor prac-ticing internal medicine and a renowned teacher andcoordinator of the Rajayoga Meditation Center for thelast 20 years. Dr. Krishna made a very impressive powerpoint presentation. He advised how meditation couldwork as a stress reliever, cure many physical illnesses,and also instil inner peace, which results in harmonyand generates inner power and positive thinking.

Dr. Krishna also led us in a practical demonstration ofmeditation. The restaurant turned out to be a perfectvenue for the event as it is surrounded by severalstatutes of Lord Buddha in meditation posture.Everyone felt great after the practical session and thewhole presentation was highly acclaimed by all those inthe audience who were yoga teachers and/or had beenpracticing Rajayoga Meditation.

Dr. Krishna has kindly given an open invitation to all

members of AFICS to attend free classes inRajayoga Meditation at 829 N. Thornton Avenue,Orlando, FL-32803. (Contact the website:<www.bkwsu.org>).

Marian Awaad, who had attended the AFICS (NY)Annual Assembly, briefed us about its deliberationsand conveyed personal greetings from its currentpresident, Edward Omotoso, as well as from pastpresident Andrés Castellanos, now president ofFAFICS.

All members unanimously supported the appeallaunched by retirees from India for restoring fullpension to the 1/3 lump-sum recipients after theannuity period.

The members present at the 6 June event were request-ed to give their suggestions regarding venues and semi-nars for forthcoming events. Such suggestions are care-fully reviewed by the Planning Group before a finaldecision is taken.

The next events of the Florida Chapter of AFICS (NY)were scheduled for:

12 September, 2009 - Luncheon - Greek Cuisine;

05 December, 2009 - Anniversary celebration -lunch or early dinner at Universal or Disney Resort, or at some theme din-ner show.

All members are requested to mark the above dates ontheir calendars. Family and friends of members arealways invited to our events and every member ofAFICS (NY) is automatically a member of our FloridaChapter as no separate membership fee is applicable.Kindly invite friends who have retired from the UNSystem to become members of AFICS (NY) and attendall events of its Florida Chapter regularly.

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CANADA

11th UN/CAFICS LUNCHEONMarina Restaurant

www.marinarestaurant.comVictoria, British Columbia, Canada

On 9 June 2009, at the Marina Restaurant, 25 guestscame together to enjoy the 11th UN/CAFICS Luncheon.This was our largest turnout to date. One man evencame over from Vancouver for the day to attend, to thedelight of former colleagues who were surprised andexcited by his arrival. It is hoped that this will inspireothers from the Vancouver area to attend in the futureand to perhaps stay awhile to enjoy the beauty of theVictoria Region and Vancouver Island.

The picture perfect, sunny day highlighted our wonder-ful new venue, the Marina Restaurant. True to its nameit overlooks the beautiful Oak Bay Marina, affording amagnificent view of the San Juan Islands and snow-cladMt. Baker, both of which are in Washington State,U.S.A.

The Marina Restaurant provided wonderful hospitalityand a beautifully prepared delicious luncheon. The tableservice was also excellent and very much appreciated byeveryone.

Lively conversation was heard at all four tables, alongwith promises to get together for our next luncheon in

December. Participants were from ESA, ESCWA,IAEA, IATA, ICAO, ILO, ITU, UN, UNCOPUOS,UNDP, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF and UNRWA.Many had served in the same parts of the world and sto-ries from Baghdad to Botswana and other interestingcorners of the globe could be overheard.

Invitations sent to guests always read as follows:

"All former staff and retirees from UN agencies andother international organizations are most welcome.Should you know of someone who we may not havecontacted or someone who may have come to an earlierluncheon but has lost touch and who would like to comeplease extend an invitation to them to attend this lunch-eon." Please feel free to take us up on our offer.

Gerry and I wish to thank the translators for all theirhard work in making sure we are read in French and allthe wonderful guests who made this inaugural luncheonsuch a success. We look forward to meeting everyoneagain at our next luncheon on 8 December 2009.

Evelyn Nye

Invitation

UN/CAFICS/AFICS luncheons are held in June and December of each year.Anyone wishing to attend is invited to contact us for details:

Evelyn & Gerry Nye, 201-1501 Richmond Avenue, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8R 4P71-250-370-2108

[email protected]

We look forward to meeting you here in the Victoria region,Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

ETTA FLEMING BENOIT

Etta Fleming Benoit died on 29 April, 2009 at the age of96, having been born on 28 July, 1912.

Etta reminded me of a sprightly energetic little bird -enjoying her perch and her nest but always ready to flyon to the next branch and build again. From childhoodin Vienna she moved on to graduate studies in econom-ics in Geneva, to marriage to an English fellow studentand years in Britain, and finally, with her husband, to theU.S.

She joined the UN Secretariat as an Economic AffairsOfficer, devoting years to research and writing for theannual World Economic Survey. Her last title was"Chief, Economic Panning Section," and after retire-ment she became a life member of AFICS (NY). Weoften lunched or had tea together and I admired herquick mind and keen wit and how she juggled a careerand family life. Her two daughters inherited their par-

ents' keen intellects; both earned doctorates, Alisonbeing a university professor and Hilary, a psychiatrist.

Toward the end of her UN career, Etta was married asecond time, to a professor of business at ColumbiaUniversity. They spent long vacations in Mexico in alovely home in San Miguel de Allende. After his death,I visited Etta during eight winters, enjoying her abun-dant hospitality, ready humour and spirited company.We always had a good time.

Always attracted to the beliefs of the Quakers - andoften attending their meetings - she chose as her lasthome, STAPLEY, a residence founded by Quakers inPhiladelphia. She faded gradually and passed away atthe end of April.

Jane Weidlund

PETER KUSEN

(Provided by Eileen Salvador at the request of Caroline Kusen)

Peter Kusen, age 89, died peacefully on 13 June 2009 atHospice Home in Vero Beach, FL. He was born in EastMeadow, Long Island, NY and moved to New Fairfield,CT in 1963. For the past 29 years he had spent the win-ters in Jensen Beach, FL, and more recently in VeroBeach, where he had recently become a fulltime resi-dent.

Peter was a veteran of World War II, serving in the navy.After his discharge he went to work for the newlyformed United Nations in its world development depart-ment (later UNDP). He loved his job at the UnitedNations, which afforded him the ability to support hisfamily of eight children, and was a fantastic dad whomade time for all of them, in addition to commuting twohours each way every day!

After 35 years, in 1980 Peter retired and travelled theworld with his wife, Caroline. He was a member of theSt. Edwards Catholic Church in New Fairfield, and

recently Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Hewas also a life member of AFICS (NY).

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Caroline Kusenof Vero Beach; children Ken Kusen of Jensen Beach,FL, Michael Kusen of Danbury, CT, Eileen Salvador ofVero Beach, Paul Kusen of New Fairfield, Karl Kusenof Kent, CT, Mary Giandalone of West Chesterfield,NH, Nancy Hughes of Petersburg, NY and Mark Kusenof Port St. Lucie, FL; 10 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren; brother John Kusen of Massapequa, NY;and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded indeath by his parents and a brother, Joseph Kusen.

On 17 June there was a funeral mass at St. EdwardsCatholic Church, followed by burial in New Fairfield. Amemorial service will be held in the Vero Beach area ata later date. Memorial contributions may be made to theVNA/Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32592.

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JAY LONG

Jay Harrison Long died on June 22, 2009 atthe home of his daughter in Washington,D.C. He was 77. He is survived by his wife,Jeanne, and five children and their families.

Born in California, where he graduated fromthe University of California at Berkeley, ourfriend, Jay Long, joined the United Nationsin 1974 after a career in the United StatesForeign Service, where his posts includedHaiti, Japan, Thailand, Rome and TheBureau of International Organizations. At theUnited Nations he worked as PrincipalOfficer in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs for almost 13years. His areas of responsibility included human rightsand assistance for the reconstruction and developmentof Lebanon (UNARDOL).

Whenever Jay planned to visit New York after his retire-ment, he did some advance planning, usually delegatingsomeone to contact his "regulars" to let them knowwhich evening he would be holding court in theDelegates' Lounge. He never gave up on his old friends,even when they had been promoted to overseas post-ings, sunk into the quagmire of bureaucratic busyness ordisappeared into their retirement hideaways. Thus,when we learned that our faithful friend was gone, weall knew where we needed to gather to celebrate hisindependent, obstinate, teasing, generous and loyal per-sonality.

We met in the Delegates' Lounge on 23 July and raisedour martini glasses in Jay's honour (twist of lemon, noolives!). There was an outpouring of treasured memo-ries, some funny and some poignant. We recalled his tal-ent with wordplay, perhaps best exhibited in his "cre-ative" writing. We wished we could have found a copyof his memo on the discussion of whether a certainnational dance troupe could dance bare-breasted in theGeneral Assembly Hall on Human Rights Day. Jaypointed out that it was important to stay on top of the sit-uation, and that he would keep abreast of any newdevelopments, etc., etc. Someone else remembered hishabit of raising his long index finger in the air as if hewere getting inspiration from The Almighty. We're notsure. Could he have been advising the Great One onhow to proceed?

We remembered his valued asso-ciations with the UN press andmedia representatives and how hehad his own table in theDelegates' Dining Room. Manyfriends recalled evenings in apiano bar with Jay singing hisfavourite songs, which promptedus to join together in a rendition ofhis most-loved piece, "Send in theClowns." You could say that wegave it the royal try, but withoutJay's voice and direction our per-formance was a bit painful.

Finally, we talked about how throughout all the timethat we knew Jay, his love for his family and his pridein their accomplishments and the outstanding peoplethey had become were a part of everything he was andchose to do. How fortunate that his devotion could laterbe returned by them to make his retirement years sorewarding.

It's not easy to encapsulate the extraordinary person thatwas Jay Long. He probably enjoyed being a little bit ofa mystery even to his good friends. He toyed with us inthe same way that he did with his words and riddles,feeding us a little bit of tantalizing information, lettingit dangle out there for a while, and then leaving us tocome up with the answer on our own. He liked to bait usand see how long it took us to recover.

Jay was known throughout the Organization for hisadherence to his principles. He persisted in defendingthose he thought were discriminated against unjustly,even though he could have hidden behind his respectedrank and position to justify not being involved in mat-ters under dispute. He was proud of being consistent inhis actions and his philosophy; nonetheless, he enjoyedbeing challenged about them and the ensuing debate.

Jay brought us a novel view on our sometimes mundanesurroundings. He was a darned fine human being. Assomeone so aptly wrote in an e-mail, we hope that he isenjoying that great martini lounge in the sky. We willcontinue to smile (with a little twist) whenever we thinkof him.

Diane Jumet

NICOLAS B. SIMAANa

(Adapted from Town & Village {Stuyvesant Town publication}, Vol. 6, No. 19, 21 May 2009)

TEKLEAB KASSAYE TOMLINSON(1932 - 2009)

Tekleab Kassaye Tomlinson passed awaypeacefully at home in Orford, NewHampshire, among family, friends, andbeloved pets on 21 August 2009, threedays before his 77th birthday.

Born in Jijiga, Ethiopia, Tek (as he wasknown by his many friends and col-leagues) survived the Italian occupationof his country and the difficult years ofpoverty, hunger, and civil unrest that fol-lowed. Trained in the Coptic Church, heserved in the Ethiopian Ministry of Post,Telephone & Telegraph before fleeing tothe United States in 1962 as a political refugee.

Tek first came to the Upper Valley in 1965 as writer inresidence at Royalton College, and later helped tolaunch an off-campus term at the Woodstock CountrySchool. After two years as Foreign Student Advisor atthe Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tek wasinvited to join the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme. From there, he moved to the UnitedNations World Food Programme (WFP), where heserved at one time as Representative in New York. Heretired in 1994 as Chef de Cabinet to the then ExecutiveDirector of WFP, James Ingram.

Tek was committed to serving the hun-gry people of the world and dedicatedhimself to building the long-term effec-tiveness of WFP. He was passionateabout bringing out the potential of theyoung and, throughout his career, was amentor to many young people whohave since gone on to make their ownsuch contributions. He will be remem-bered for his courage, generosity,humor, empathy, and his great faith andhope for the future of the world - evenin the face of great odds.

Tek is survived by Sally, his loving wife of 43 years; hisdaughters Elsabet, Hewan, Senayit, and Tsedale; and hischerished grandchildren Ezana, Saba, Sosena, andKokeb.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tek's nameto the United Nations World Food Programme(www.wfp.org).

A celebration of Tek's life will be held at a future date.

(Provided by Tek's family through Somendu Banerjee)

Nicolas B. Simaan, a resident of Stuyvesant Town, diedof a heart attack at Beth Israel hospital on 15 May afterbeing hit by an SUV as the driver attempted to park on14th Street and Avenue A. A widower, Mr. Simaan was78 years old and had lived in the community fordecades.

Mr. Simaan's daughter, Nicole Albano, described herfather, a retired librarian for the United Nations, as "afunny and lively man" with many friends in the neigh-bourhood. His wife Jennifer died in 1994.

A memorial service for Mr. Simaan was held on May27th at St. George's during which those who attendedreceived a religious card containing Mr. Simaan's photoand the following poem:

After Glow

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.I'd like to leave an after glow of smiles when day is

done.I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the

ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave behind when day is done.

The family requested that in lieu of cards or flowers,friends or neighbours make a donation to St. Jude's or acharity of their own choosing.

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UNITED NATIONS FAMILY

ECLACAlcantara, Heriberto 20.05.2009Briones, Cirilo 23.07.2009Espinosa, Israel 05.07.2009Fell, Santiago 19.06.2009Fernandez, Monica 19.06.2009Salazar, Jaime 22.06.2009Viteri De La Hu, Jorge 15.08.2009

UNECAKebebush, Filseta UnknownNesehit, Ketema 27.03.2004Spijkerman, Jacobus C. 28.06.2009

UNESCAPChangching, C. 05.08.2009Kridakorn, S. 09.08.2009Matsumoto, Sakie 19.03.2009Seneviratne, Maureen 11.08.2009

ICJSchouten, Johanna 13.04.2009

UN/HQAdede, Grace 29.04.2009Boen, Fon Fan 31.07.2009Cabrera-Quezada, Dora 06.08.2008

* Campbell, Beryl 27.04.2009* Carrington, Cober Jean 20.06.2009

Connor, Joseph E. 06.05.2009Corwin, Phillip 23.03.2009Debilly, F. 20.06.2009Doade, Jackson 21.03.2008

* Doerner, M.E. 10.08.2009 Finch, Ernest 02.05.2009Gabre-Sellassie, Zewde 15.12.2008Galvan, Prospera 08.05.2009Galvez (Rimasson), Lucienne Eugenie 30.06.2009Granger, J. 15.06.2009

Guarino, Salvatore 17.07.2009Gunasekera, Hitihamy 04.06.2009Hanhan, Alicia 29.07.2009

* Hoffmann, R. 22.08.2009* Jones, E.M. 25.01.2008* Katz, Kate 20.08.2009* Kirsch, Stanley Meyer 29.04.2009* Kusen, Peter 13.06.2009* Long, Jay H. 22.06.2009

Mahgoub, A. 26.05.2009Matthews, D.H. 21.07.2009McNee, Jeanette 20.05.2009

* Miller, Danzel 07.07.2009Murphy, Hugh 21.07.2009

* Mutter, Letitia N. 22.05.2009* Niedzielska, Nadia 12.06.2009* Oussini, C. 01.05.2009

Palit, Bina 28.03.2009Patel, C.B. 11.07.2009Pereda, Teresa 05.07.2009

* Redhead, F. 01.08.2009* Saleeb, Shafeek I. 15.06.2009

Schmidt, Catharina Johanna 09.07.2009* Scott, C. 12.06.2009

Shamsee, M.A. 15.07.2009Sobrino, José 03.07.2009

* Sterman, A.I. Unknown* Sutanto, Tato 09.08.2009* Weil, Ira 20.06.2009

Wolff, Karl Fritz Z. 28.07.2009

UN/GENEVABecker, Hiltrud 24.07.2009Cording, Pauline Margaret 15.09.2008Coulondre, Paule Renée 15.05.2009Dilloway, Archie James 23.07.2009El Haj, Charles 25.07.2009Khalil, Nour Eldin 18.05.2009Krahenbuhl, Cecile 09.05.2009Lara, Mercedes 11.05.2009Lopez, M. 25.07.2009

The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund has furnished AFICS (NY) with the following information, coveringthe period 1 June through 31 August 2009, concerning the passing of former staff members and their survivingspouses. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the deceased.

Maja, Ritva Marjukka 10.05.2009Ngirabinego, Pierre 09.05.2009Picard, Simone Roland 01.06.2009Ronkin, Fred 14.07.2009Scheidegger, Maud Yolande 07.06.2007Skuncke, Sven 14.07.2009Stampfli, Micheline 24.12.2006

UNDOFDargham, Abdallah UnknownHamwi, Latifeh 11.04.2009

UNDP/HQ & INTL* Hanif, Saiyid M. 31.05.2009

Kongsupto, Prathana 19.07.2009Maleki, Parviz 15.04.2009Marcimino, Marcella 25.08.2009

UNDP/LOCALAbdul Wahab, S. 16.06.2009Betizazu, Zewditu Teferi UnknownChhetri, Laxmi Kumari 04.05.2009Diol, Samba Yomba 02.03.2008Islam, Md Rafiqul 07.08.2009Khadrawi, H.I. 29.05.2009Malhotra, Des R. 01.07.2009Ntadi, Mathurin 21.07.2009Pal, Sat 05.07.2009Seck, Aminata 30.12.2005Selemane, Abdul Momade 07.05.2009Thapa, Debi Bahadur 16.06.2009Vargas, Maria Garzon 02.03.2009Yosuf, Mohammad 15.11.2008

UNHCRAwad-Mohamed, Azhari 24.04.2009Bozovic, Darko 05.08.2009Mihayo, Michael Theodory 16.01.2009

UNICDe Chacon, Olga 13.03.2009Fillion, O. 09.04.2009Marshall, Herbert 03.08.2009Pakindji, Kikundji 07.06.2009

UNICEF/HQ & INTL* Gould, Johanna 05.05.2009

James, Ajit 23.06.2009U, Tun Aung 25.06.2009

UNICEF/LOCALAziz, Abdul 12.06.2009

Biswas. Martha 16.05.2009Howlader, J. 28.07.2009Lebbie, Josie 07.08.2009Rudaseswa, Christine UnknownShabbir, Mohammad UnknownShawa, James R. 23.05.2009Yartel, Robert Placid 03.04.2009

UNIFILAbou Sari, Fadl R. 27.06.2009Al-Alam, Lihaz 09.07.2009Damouni, Nadia A. 23.06.2009Mihdi, Hadi K. 20.08.2009Siblini, Miryam 26.08.2009

UNOVRamos, Galino F. 17.05.2009

UNRWAAndersen, Verner 09.06.2009

UNTSOHamad, Mohammed 24.05.2009

SPECIALIZED AGENCIES

ILOAbdourahim, Moustapha 23.12.2008Baba, Ali Ouattara 27.12.2008Bracco, Anna Maria 16.07.2009Charpentier, Françoise 10.05.2009Dorland, O. 05.08.2009Espinosa, Justiniano 22.05.2009Gonod, Pierre F. 02.07.2009Hamouda, Khalil A. G. 30.05.2009Krummel, Carl 30.05.2009Kumin, Howard J. 12.06.2009Paratori, Bevilacqua, Carl 15.06.2009Peiris, Daisy Helen 02.08.2009

* Postletheweight, Charles 31.07.2009Reid, Janet 18.05.2009Tristram, Norman 04.08.2009Tual, S. 22.03.2009Vilquin, Achille 16.06.2009Walker, Kenneth F. 12.02.2009

FAOAbou Zeina, Mahmoud H.G. 13.07.2009Allan (Millar), Olive 31.05.2009Alvarez Jervis, Ivon Fred 18.08.2009Awuni, Tongo 16.02.2009Badra, Taysir Badra 15.02.2009

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Bellon, François 23.04.2009Blessich, Felice 03.07.2009Brookes, D. 21.04.2009Buffet-Bosseau, Georgette 18.07.2009Cecutta, G. 09.05.2009Christy, Francis Taggart 19.06.2009Corvalan-Morales, Antonio 30.05.2009Fortunescu, Carolyn 19.07.2009Freney, Thomas M. 20.08.2009Gear, Donald 29.06.2009Guidobaldi, Caterina 28.05.2009Hodes, R.U. 01.07.2009Iskander, Farid 25.06.2009Jackson, James K. 25.06.2009Kelly, Laurence 02.07.2009Kitagawa, Fukue 23.07.2009Lawlor, Mary J. 10.06.2009Ly, B. 22.07.2009Lyman, Kingsley 26.05.2009Mappi, C. 15.06.2009Marzocca, Ugo 30.05.2009Moczarski, Yolanta Maria 10.08.2009Muth, Edward Leo 03.06.2009Mutsaers, A. 19.07.2009Osborne, R. 25.05.2009Peruccacci, Enzo 03.06.2009Piquer, George Jean 05.07.2009Santoro, Antonio Mario 27.06.2009Sheratun, Begum 23.05.2009Sloth Blaauboer, Catinka 04.06.2009Stein, Paule 22.07.2009Talukder, Naresh Chandra 14.06.2009Urzua, Sergio A. 22.08.2009Valera, Felix Olivar 02.07.2009Van Vaerenbergh, Robert Charles M. 25.07.2009Vongvandarath, Ttac Than 13.05.2009Yates, Paul Lamartine 18.06.2009Zampieri, A. 27.07.2009

UNESCO* Abad, Gonzalo 13.06.2009Adoum, J. 03.07.2009Ariyasena, Aruma T. 22.06.2009Balakrishnan, Ramanujam 25.05.2005Begouen Demeaux, Florence 03.07.2009Berville, Simone 06.06.2009Brolin, Karl G. 29.06.2009Cotta, Marie M. 27.07.2009Cuzelin, Jacqueline 26.04.2009De Laender, Jean 20.05.2009Delaume, S. 10.05.2009Diop, Mamadou 13.07.2009

Dure, Louis Emile 28.06.2009Elsas, Barbara Anne S. 25.03.2009Gille (Cahen), Micheline Berthe 07.08.2009Harris, Ronald C. 15.07.2009Holister, Geoffrey 29.07.2009Joyeux, Paul Robert UnknownKallwass, Gert 06.05.2009Labenne, Jean Adrien 21.07.2009Navel, Denise 30.06.2009Niramaya, P. 27.01.2009Ordyniec, Jeanne 07.08.2008Palade, Laurentiu 20.07.2009Radosavljevic, Danielle 31.07.2009Rath, Ferdinand J. 14.08.2009

* Silvio, José 04.06.2009Smyth, John 03.06.2009Stensland, Maj Elise 27.07.2009Teitgen, Genevieve 11.08.2009Young, Lore Ullmann 30.06.2006

WHOArreaza, Nelia 22.08.2009Ashworth, A. 15.05.2009Bisht, Desh Bandhu 16.04.2009Buck, Alfred A. 14.07.2009Charnes, Virginia 01.07.2009Chu, Kuang Yu 04.07.2009Di Pietro, Inocencia UnknownDordevic, Petar 17.06.2009Doss, Richard Hallock 02.07.2009Ferreira, Maria Helena A. 07.06.2009Figueraandu, Socorro 13.06.2009Galal Gorchev, Hend 01.05.2009Gondha, Devi 07.03.2009Guzman, Miguel 01.12.2008Haller, Marguerite 23.06.2009Jimenez, Rosemary 05.07.2009Jutsum, P.J. 28.05.2009Kiranoglu, S. 22.06.2009Kosaka, Kazushige 23.07.2009Kroezen, Pia Françoise J. 04.07.2009Labben, Mahmoud 23.08.2009Lee, Edwin W. 04.05.2009Lopez & Molina, D. 06.04.2009Mamser, Akram Ali 13.05.2009Mazen, Ahmed Kamel 19.08.2009Meena, George 26.06.2009Metcalfe, Edna Valer 24.08.2009Mwambazi, Wedson C. 28.07.2009Nasser, Sa Ada I. 02.08.2009Newa Ngunu (Bana), Marguerite

Beatrice 13.05.2009

Parkinson, Arthur David 25.04.2009Pobee, Joseph Orleans M. 10.07.2008Ponce, Jose E. 08.06.2009Prikazsky, Vikto 23.06.2009Rajohnson, Jean H. 27.04.2009Rani, Kanta 22.07.2009Rao, A. Mohan 01.07.2009Resnik, Abraham 11.12.2008Rodriguez Alonso, Fernando 17.08.2009Rojas, Georgina Z-B 16.05.2009Rozario, Clement 14.06.2009Salcedo, E. 19.07.2009Tapsoba, Joseph 26.03.2009Tessema, Mulunesh 06.08.2009Traboulga, T. Jean-Pierre 02.06.2009Watters, Zoila Berta 07.06.2009Williams, Hodson 24.06.2009Zaleszczanska, Olga 13.06.2009

ICAODjellouli, Abderrahman 14.05.2009

* Fielding, Laurence 08.08.2009Hughes, Annie Ethel 09.07.2009Hynes, William 12.08.2009Jackson, Robert Keith 03.07.2009Larrosa, Lombardi, Jorgé José 27.06.2009Piquette, Denise 16.08.2009Recasens, Olga 26.07.2009Robinson, Russell J. 21.05.2009

WMOBallester, Miguel 08.11.2008Boum, Yerima 25.02.2007Chaban Kabakibo, Abdul W. 29.07.2009Kronebach, G. 21.07.2009

GATTLucq, Jean Marc 03.06.2009

IAEABlasche, Patricia E. 27.08.2009Nitsch, Liselotte 16.05.2009Worell, Ilse 11.08.2009

IMODijxhoorn, Lyda 27.05.2009

ITUBessire, Jean-Jacques 15.06.2009Fuller, Thomas 23.06.2009

IFADWickremesinghe-Maria, Surangani

Jeanne 30.03.2009

WFCGreiss, Elena Unknown

WFPFraser, Eric 13.05.2009

UNIDOFeraldis, Irene UnknownFortuney, Jean Claude 16.07.2009Pogany, Janos 05.07.2009Richardson, Victor Alexan 18.07.2009Seneviratne, Elmo Louis 08.05.2009Tilot, J. 16.07.2009

* Member of AFICS (NY)

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CORRESPONDENTS

USAConnecticut Mr. Somar Wijayadasa, 84 Dundee Road, Stamford, CT 06903Florida Mr. Madan Arora, Orlando, Florida; marora. <[email protected]>

Mid-West Mr. James B. Chandler, 7449 Rupert Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63117 <[email protected]>Nevada (Las Vegas) Mr. Leocadio (Leo) F. Dioso, 4126 Cascada Piazza Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89135;<[email protected]>Texas (Dallas) Mr. Rudy Moras, 3410 Dartmouth, Dallas, TX 75205-3235; Washington, D.C Mr. David Waugh, 5225 Pooks Hill Road, Drop #701N, Bethesda, MD 20814-2039

<[email protected]>Washington (State) Mr. Sher Agrawal, 9647 NE 25th Street, Clyde Hill King, WA 98004 <[email protected]>

U.S. Virgin Islands Mr. Horst Cerni, P.O. Box 223483, Christiansted, St. Croix, US VI 00822. <[email protected]>

Argentina Dr. Eduardo K. Centeno, Arcos 1757, 4P A, 1426 Buenos Aires

Brazil Sr. Eduardo Albertal, Rua José Linhares, 57 Apt. 201, 22430-100 Rio de Janeiro <[email protected]>

Canada Mrs. Rose Marie Troniak, 3716 208th Street, Langley, BC V3A 4X7

Congo (Kinshasa) M. Antoine Kabwasa Nsang-O'Khan, c/o PNUD, B.P. 7248, RighniniCuba Ana Maria Gudz, c/o UNDP, calle 18 No. 110, Miramar, La Habana, Cuba; e-mail:

[email protected] Dr. C. A. Theodoulou, P.O. Box 40965, 6308 Larnaca; Fax: +357-24 623215;

<[email protected]>

France M. Marcel Gabbay, 5 Ave. Frederic Mistral, La Nartelle, 83120 Ste., Maxime <[email protected]>Germany Dr. agr. Friedrich von Mallinckrodt, Wolfgang-Klausner-Str.11, D-83339 Chieming; <sard.mallinck-

[email protected]>Ghana Opatafo Osei Boakye Yiadom II, Chief of Adamorabe-Aburi, Ghana (Ms. E.M. Apeadu), P.O. Box

179, ABURI-Akuapen E/R; México Mr. Guido Gomez de Silva, Xola 314-E, 03100 México, DFNepal Mr. Kumar S. Maharjan, SUNRISE TOWERS, Unit B-20, Dhobi Ghat, Lalitpur, Nepal; <kumar-

[email protected]>New Zealand Mr. Ed Dowding, 16A Moore St., Birkenhead, Auckland 1310Spain (Madrid) Mr. José M. Aguilar, President, The North-South Institute, Apartado 2371, 28080 Madrid; Fax: 34-91-

5636302; <[email protected]> and <[email protected]>Yemen Fuad K. Mohammed, P.O. Box 16334 Hadda, Sana'a; Fax: 967 1 448405; < [email protected]>

*We need Correspondents for other areas of the U.S., as well as other countries of the world notpresently covered where AFICS(NY) members reside. Volunteers would be most welcome!

Published by AFICS(New York), Room DC1-580, United Nations, New York, NY 10017Address all communications to the Bulletin Editor at the above address.

Phone 212 963-2943 E-mail: [email protected]

Fax 212 963-5702 AFICS(NY) website: www.un.org/other/afics

Bulletin Oct 09 - Welcome to the United Nations Sharma Others Board Members Miguel Arnabal Denis...

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