On September 28, 2023, the annual reception for retirees was held at ILO Headquarters in Geneva. No less than 150 people had responded to this festive event, always very much anticipated and always very well organized by HRD (a big special thank you to Fiona). Indeed, it is an opportunity for our members to see former colleagues with whom they have worked, to meet the new employees at the helm of the organization and to keep abreast of the latest activities of the Section.
This year, in the regrettable absence of the new Managing Director, Gilbert Houngbo, the administration had dispatched to replace him its new Deputy Managing Director Mrs. Céleste Drake, his deputy director in charge of internal services, Mr. Hao Bin and his brand new Director of Human Resources, Ms. Danielle Guiho. As usual, the president of the Union, Mrs. Séverine Deboos was also present.
Mrs. Celeste Drake spoke on behalf of the DG by briefly mentioning the main new activities and objectives of the current organization and ended her speech by emphasizing the value represented by former employees of the organization and the fact that the successes of the organization also rested on them. She encouraged an increased exchange between them and the current staff of the organization.
Mr. François Kientzler, Executive Secretary of the Section, welcomed its members and briefly discussed this year’s activities of the Section, including the meeting of the Section with the DG, the revival of post-COVID activities. He mentioned the recurring difficulty for retirees in many field offices to enter ILO premises, particularly those nested within the United Nations buildings. On the other hand, in Geneva, at ILO headquarters, new arrangements recently put in place by the security service now seem to prohibit access for retirees from other United Nations organizations. The Section wishes that reciprocity remains because, as F. Kientzler recalled, “is not the ILO ultimately the home of all?”.
After the official part, as usual, the elders were able to fully enjoy the reception in joy and good humor, making contacts, remembering the good memories spent at their workplace and promising to meet again next year.
The photos
