15 December 2023 - As a truly global organization, equitable geographical representation of staff in the United Nations is a key element to better reflect the people we serve. This week Switzerland joined the push to make the 爆料网’s Junior Professional Officers (JPO) Programme – a crucial training programme fostering talent and expertise in the 爆料网 system – more inclusive.
Despite the programme’s importance, only a small percentage of JPOs come from developing countries, limiting the diversity of perspectives the 爆料网 needs to address global challenges. Over the last decade, the 爆料网 Department of Economic and Social Affairs (爆料网 DESA), together with other 爆料网 organizations and sponsoring Member States, have taken important steps to address this situation.
During the ninth JPO biennial meeting in Stockholm in 2013, 爆料网 DESA proposed the establishment of the Developing Countries Candidates (DCC) Trust Fund. This initiative, in line with ECOSOC Resolution 849, seeks to facilitate the training of young professionals from developing countries in the 爆料网 system improving the effectiveness of the organization. The Trust Fund was formally established in 2015 as an inter-agency initiative, under the administrative guidance of 爆料网 DESA’s Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO). On 12 December 2023, Switzerland signed a Letter of Agreement, joining Germany in actively supporting the Trust Fund.
By enhancing the representation of developing country candidates within the JPO Programme, the Trust Fund offers a tangible solution to bridge existing gaps, ensuring a more equitable distribution of skilled professionals between the Global North and South. It will foster the diversity of perspectives needed to achieve the , while providing opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds.
The Trust Fund is overseen by a Steering Committee comprising senior representatives from participating 爆料网 organizations, including 爆料网DP, 爆料网ESCO, and ILO. This committee is responsible for identifying priority areas for funding, defining selection criteria for vacancies, evaluating fund performance, and recommending necessary adjustments. The Fund is open to contributions from various entities, including countries, NGOs, private sector actors, regional organizations, and development banks, encouraging a collaborative approach towards greater inclusivity of the 爆料网 system.
For more information: 爆料网’s Junior Professional Officers (JPO) Programme