Greetings, bonjour, & buenos días from the new UN-GLOBE board
On behalf of the new UN GLOBE Board, a big hello to all UN GLOBE Members and friends, LGBTIQ and allies.
As the new Board kicks off our two-year term, I wanted to thank the outgoing board for their work, in particular that of the former President Hyung Nam Hak (Alfonso) for his leadership for the past 6 years.
I also wanted to thank all the candidates that ran for the UN GLOBE Board. It has been very heartening to see the diversity of gender identities and nationalities/ethnicities of the growing number of candidates that submitted their nominations for the board. UN-GLOBE is so dependent on the commitment of volunteers, and we hope that we can still count on your support and commitment to work together in ensuring a more inclusive and diverse UN workplace for all.
A big thanks to each and every one of you who voted. I and the Board are really grateful for your support, and count on your commitment as we move forward in bringing really change not only with in the UN workplace but also within UN GLOBE.
For the first time in our 23 year history, there are a majority of women elected to serve on the board. This 1st step is of many to come as the Board looks to actively increase the participation of women, gender non-confirming, and trans staff. We also recognise that we need to do more with regards representation of people of colour and nationalities from the global south, as well as national staff, JPOs, interns and consultants. It is important that the Board is not only more transparent and accountable, but also better represents those who we truly serve.
From the position of the president to the agency and duty coordinators, UN GLOBE is driven by volunteers, and without them a lot of UN GLOBE’s achievements would not have been possible. As volunteers, UN GLOBE agency and duty station coordinators provide critical inputs into our policy work. So that our HR policy advocacy is holistic and intersectional, it is important that we have a diverse pool of coordinators. In advocating for diversity, equality and inclusion, UN GLOBE must be exemplary and this includes the composition of our coordinators. WeI encourage LGBTI+ staff; of colour, women*, national and service support staff, with disabilities, from the global south, to volunteer and join the team of UN GLOBE coordinators.
Reforming UN GLOBE’s governance structure is one of mine and the Board’s priorities. Taking on this voluntary role I know that this cannot be done overnight and alone. We will be counting on your support as well as that of UN GLOBE Coordinators, to help make these reforms a reality.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge what an honour and privilege it is for me to be serving alongside a fantastic group of people on the Board. Their collective experience, knowledge and skills will help drive UN GLOBE’s goals and objectives for the coming two years! If you have any ideas, suggestions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or any of the Board members. By the end of the year the we will aim to share our priorities and plans for the coming two years.
In solidarity and in pride,
Gurchaten Sandhu (Nanoo)
President, UN-GLOBE