UN Geneva tackles workplace discrimination
Racism has no place at the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has taken a strong stance on tackling racism and discrimination of all forms at the Organization. In line with his strategic action plan on addressing racism and promoting dignity at the UN, UN Geneva has appointed an Anti-Racism Advocate and a Working Group Against Racism. Together with staff, the group is working to locally implement the Secretary-General’s strategy.
The working group submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations for the Geneva duty station, addressing key areas such as staff selection and movement, performance management, justice systems and training.
Director-General Tatiana Valovaya endorsed these recommendations, acknowledging the urgency of tackling racism within the UN: “Unfortunately, racial discrimination is alive and well at the United Nations,” said Ms. Valovaya. “As surveys have indicated, a great number of staff have experienced various forms of racial discrimination at the workplace. This is unacceptable, and it is why I have committed to address the issue of racism at UN Geneva.” The Director-General said the Organization’s focus had primarily been on states and their human rights obligations towards their citizens and residents. She said it was essential the UN ensured its own “house was in order”.
A new working group to implement the recommendations
In September 2024, the composition of the working group changed. The new working group comprises of eleven members from diverse backgrounds, and working in different entities at UN Geneva, ensuring that different perspectives are being taken into account. Chair of the working group and UNOG’s new Anti-Racism Advocate is Betsy Ntongai. Together with the group members, she engaged in this new task to create a safe and fair working environment for all.
Whether knowingly or unknowingly, we are all part of the fight against racism. This is why we must confront and demystify it together. It’s time to shed our armors, foster a culture of curiosity infused with empathy, and embrace mutual respect for all.
We need to ask ourselves: why is racism such an uncomfortable topic, so often avoided? Can we truly address an issue we are reluctant to confront? To create real change, we must engage in honest, sober dialogue and design policies rooted in inclusivity and equity.
This journey demands unlearning old biases and embracing new skills to thrive in our diverse marketplaces. None of us holds all the answers—but together, we can learn and grow.
No policy, survey, or strategic plan can resolve racism within the United Nations unless we step out of our comfort zones, face these challenges with empathy, and seek solutions that unite us. Only then will we achieve lasting change—not just within the UN, but for the world at large.
Betsy Ntongai
UNOG Anti-Racism Advocate and Chair of the Working Group Against Racism
