September 1925 - January 2026 It is with deep sadness that AFICS/NY announces the passing of Mr. George Floyd Saddler, former President of AFICS/NY (1994–2001), former President of FAFICS, and an Honorary Member of the AFICS/NY Governing Board. Mr. Saddler celebrated his 100th birthday in September 2025. He will be remembered with great respect and appreciation by his colleagues and friends in the AFICS/NY and FAFICS communities. A memorial service will be held on April 18 at

27 December 2025   Dear Family, Friends, and Former Colleagues of our Father, We would like to invite you to a memorial event that the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are organizing to commemorate the life and career of our dear father in recognition of his over three decades of distinguished service and enduring contributions to the United Nati

It is with deep sadness that AFICS/NY announces the passing of its lifetime member, Mrs. Neylan Ayse Bali, who passed away at her home in New York on April 3, 2025. Mrs. Bali was a distinguished former Director of the United Nations Security Council Affairs Division, having served the Organization with dedication for over 33 years. She was widely respected and admired for her professionalism, integrity, and her unwavering commitment to women's equality and global peace. The l

15 January 1944 - 27 November 2025 A leading scholar and advocate of democratic governance and a dear friend has passed. A few days ago I learned that my close friend Dr. Shabbir Cheema passed away on Thanksgiving Day. His wife Sherry and other family members were with him. Blessings to Sherry, their children, and grandchildren. I am filled with gratitude for Shabbir’s life of kindness and world service. Here are a few highlights about Shabbir’s remarkable life from the summa

October 15 1939 – February 22, 2025 With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Jamna. A loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She brought warmth, wisdom, and kindness to all who knew her. Please join us as we gather to celebrate her remarkable life, share memories, and honor her enduring spirit.  Parkside Memorial Chapels (Funeral Service) Thursday, 2/27/25, 12 pm 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375   All Souls Chapel and Cremato

22 November 1937 – 5 February 2025 It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our friend and colleague, Mary Lynn Hanley, who passed away on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, following a period of declining health. Mary Lynn, who faithfully served AFICS/NY as Editor of the AFICS/NY Bulletin from her appointment on 1 March 1988 until her retirement in 2021, is remembered fondly by those who knew her as a critical reader and a meticulous editor. Forme

5 April 1935 - 25 January 2025 Ajit M. Banerjee began his distinguished career at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA). Later, he became a management training consultant for the Punjab Administrative Reform Commission and the Indian Government. His journey eventually led him to the United Nations (UN), where he made significant contributions to public administration and reform on a global scale. Dr. Banerjee held several pivotal positions at the UN during his

It is with deep sorrow that we remember and honour the life of Sandra Haji-Ahmed, a distinguished colleague, friend, mentor, and coach. It is with deep sorrow that we remember and honour the life of Sandra Haji-Ahmed, a distinguished colleague, friend, mentor, and coach. She passed away peacefully on 26 February 2025 after an illness. With over 30 years of experience, Ms. Haji-Ahmed held pivotal roles at the United Nations and UNICEF, where she guided diverse teams and shaped

I am writing to share the sad news about Thord Palmlund. Thord passed away on December 14th, 2024, peacefully at home in New York. His wife Susy writes “he’s off to his next adventure. He was at ease, comfortable, at home and in his bed. He went quietly. And the full moon out tonight is very bright. All good.” Thord joined UNDP in 1988 to head the Management Development Program in BDP, created by the then Administrator Bill Draper. He brought with him the wisdom and skills ga

Jacques Fomerand passed away suddenly on November 4, 2024. A native of France, Jacques completed his undergraduate studies at Sciences Po in Paris and Aix en Provence before moving to the United States in 1967 to study for his Ph.D. in political science at CUNY. He began his UN career in 1977, holding increasingly responsible positions in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). His last UN post was Director of the UN University’s New York office. A defining feat

We would like to inform you that a memorial plaque was recently dedicated in memory of a wonderful friend of AFICS/NY for many years and former manager of UNFCU, Carlos Noriega. This plaque can be found at the entrance to the UNFCU Offices in the DC-2 building. Carlos passed away in December 2022 and was known for his strong support of AFICS/NY and all UNFCU members. His kindness and support will never be forgotten.

Loreta A. Krist, age 86, of Audubon, Pennsylvania, died Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience in Philadelphia. She was born June 29, 1937, in The Philippines, the daughter of Joseph and Cresencia Yulo. She married Robert Krist, who survives, on March 19, 1977, in The Philippines. A graduate of University of San Carlos in The Philippines, she served as Finance & Administrative Assistant in the United Nations Development Programme for 29 years. Her

I am much saddened to share sad news that our dear Honorary Governing Board Member Miss Jane Weidlund, passed away last Friday evening, August 6, at The Osborne, her retirement Residence in Hamilton, New York. As per her Godson, Jane had been talking over the telephone shortly before her demise. As indicated by her aide she parted serenely. Jane would have reached 97 years of age this coming Thursday, August 12, in complete lucidity. Final funeral arrangements are pending, in

English translators and précis-writers are mourning the loss of former senior reviser and Training Officer Isobel Riddoch-Gharbi, who passed away in late August. “Isobel was a pillar of the English Translation Service and always a reliable source of advice”, says a former officemate. Her colleagues remember her as approachable, good-natured and always willing to help. She was a Training Officer who instilled very high standards with a gentle touch – “with a velvet glove”, as

Jean Rose-Benoit, a mentor and inspiration to new recruits and a cherished colleague in the English Translation Service, died on 13 October 2020. Jean joined the United Nations in September 1964, after placing second in the English translators’ exam (no mean feat in a gruelling examination in which hundreds of applicants all over the world participated). Her pre-United Nations experience included employment at UNESCO, followed by one year with the United Nations Operation in

Dag Hammarskjold, who inspired many of us who dedicated our lives to the United Nations, once remarked, “we’ve got to learn hard things in our lifetime, but it’s love that gives you the strength. It’s being nice to people and a lot of fun and laughing harder than anything, hopefully every single day of your life.” Our dear colleague and friend, Lynette, exemplified this more than anyone. She will be fondly remembered as someone who was always ready to help others, whether thr