Dear Member Associations and colleagues, I would like to thank you all for making the 56th Session of the FAFICS Council such a success. Once again, the Council demonstrated the strength of our Federation through constructive dialogue, thoughtful decision-making, and our shared commitment to protecting the interests of retired staff, surviving spouses, and other beneficiaries. It was an excellent meeting in which we addressed the critical issues facing FAFICS, regarding pensi

As is customary, please note that AFICS/NY office will be closed for business from: Monday, 17 August to Labor Day, Monday, 7 September 2026, and will re-open for business on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

The UN is currently seeking volunteers with language skills at or near UN Level I and II of the UN Language Framework to participate in an important UN educational project. Your participation will also provide you with a valuable opportunity to assess your language skills at this level. The project The UN is currently developing an innovative Computer Adaptive Language Test for all UN personnel to help them assess their language proficiency levels. To ensure the quality and r

This communication, from the United Nations Health and Life Insurance Section, (HLIS) provides important information regarding changes in the benefit provisions, monthly premiums, and after-service health insurance (ASHI) contribution amounts that came into effect on 1 July 2026. In addition, a statement is being sent to your home address with your ASHI contribution amount effective 1 July 2026 Health Insurance Premium Increases effective 1 July 2026 All premiums for UNHQ adm

Darshak Shah, President of AFICS New York, elected as President of FAFICS at the 56th Annual Council. The FAFICS 56th Council Session has elected a new President... Darshak Shah, current President of AFICS NY. Darshak will be taking over the responsibility from Jerry Barton (current Pres of ARICSA Vienna). Three new VPs were also elected, Nancy Hurtz-Soyka (AFICS NY) Maria Machicado (AFICS Bolivia) and Aye Win (AFICS Myanmar). The meeting also elected a new Treasurer, Peter

A debate entitled “UN Town Hall: The Next Secretary-General” will take place on Thursday, 23 July 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the General Assembly Hall, with candidates for the position of Secretary-General. UN staff members are invited to participate in this town hall, which marks an important milestone in the selection and appointment process of the next Secretary-General. This town hall will provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as t

The AFICS/NY editorial team is delighted to annouce the publication of the latest bulletin, volume 55 number 2. The theme of this edition is volunteerism. You can view and download the full bulletin here.

The United Nations Health and Life Insurance Section, (HLIS) just announced three important updates. Follow the links below for more information. Anthem have issued new insurance ID cards effective July 1st: Updated Anthem Insurance ID Cards; Important information for Anthem PPO members | Health & Life Insurance Section HLIS published the new ASHI rates in the Retiree toolkit: ashi_summary_26_06_2026_08_31_55.pdf A new ST/IC/2026/2 was published. This ST/IC needed a reissuan

Join us on Thursday, June 25, from 2-4 PM for a leisurely stroll along the recently completed East River Greenway, with long-time Big Apple Greeter, Bob Ross, who will share a lot of history and folklore about the sights on both shores, in Manhattan, Roosevelt Island, and in Queens. You will learn a lot, enjoy the good weather (we hope!), take some great pictures and enjoy each others' company. The walk will start at 60th Street (meeting place will be shared with registran

Dr. Sudershan Narula, Co-Chair of the nominating committee announced the results of the 2026 AFICS/NY Governing Board elections at the Annual Assembly on 29 May 2026. The eleven candidates who were voted onto the Governing Board, in alphabetical order were: 1. ALIPUI, Nicholas (incumbent) 2. BHATIA, Renu 3. DELLA ROCCA, Robin (incumbent) 4. FUENTES CONTE, Pilar (incumbent) 5. KASPER, Ingrid 6. LEGASPI, Maria Aurita (Marita) 7. PAWLIK, Regina 8. POZENEL, Jay (incumbent) 9. ROT

Click here to play a video recording of the assembly. Play Video On Friday 29 May 2026 the Association of Former International Civil Servants, New York, (AFICS/NY) held its annual assembly from 3pm to 6pm in conference room 1 at UN Headquarters. Follow the link below to find copies of the presentations. Presentations and statements. Gallery of photos Please send us any feedback or comments you may have.

On 21 May 2026, AFICS New York and the United Nations Health and Life Insurance Section held a webinar about the United Nations Headquarters administered health insurance plans for the year starting on 1 July 2026. Here is a link to the recording of the whole webinar. And here is a link to a pdf of the presentation.

AFICS New York is looking for members to participate in a focus group looking at the new website. Let us know whether the new website meets your needs, is easy to use and helps you find the information you are looking for. We will organize the session at your convenience, participation can be in-person or online and we expect the session to take between 60 and 90 minutes. To sign up for the focus group please use this form. Date and timing, to be determined.

The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) has announced that, in accordance with the provisions of the UNJSPF Pension Adjustment System and based on consumer price index data published by the UN Statistics Division, there will be a 2.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the US dollar track with respect to periodic benefits. The increase will be effective 1 April 2026, and the initial month’s COLA adjustment will be reflected in April pension benefits, pay

We would like to make you aware of the UN Staff 1% for Development Fund, to which you can contribute the cost of just three cappuccinos a month to help people in the developing world build better lives. Since 1984 its New York Branch aims for staff to contribute up to 1% of their salary towards development, to encourage Member States to contribute at least 0.7% of their GDP for that purpose. We issue microgrants of up to $ 5,000 per community project in the fields of educatio

Annalena Baerbock, President-elect of the General Assembly at its eightieth session addresses delegations after her election. Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock was elected President of the General Assembly’s 80th session on 2 June. Her appointment comes as the regional group that includes Western Europe takes its turn at the helm of the world body. She assumes the role at a challenging time, with ongoing conflicts, faltering development goals, mounting financia

Kenya Airways is delighted to offer an exclusive promotion of up to 10% for members of the Association of Former International Civil Servants of New York (AFICS/NY). Click here for details

AFICS New York President, Darshak Shah noted "I am pleased to share with you our Fall/Winter 2025/2026 edition of the AFICS/NY Bulletin Vol. 55 ◆ No. 1, dedicated to the theme of Membership—what it means in retirement and how our members contribute to the life and strength of AFICS/NY."

Effective communication is a skill that can significantly enhance our personal and professional lives. Whether you are engaging in a casual conversation with a friend or delivering a presentation at work, the ability to convey your thoughts clearly and listen actively is crucial. In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of effective communication, its importance, and practical tips to improve your skills. A cozy coffee shop where people are enjoying conversation

In a world increasingly affected by climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, the concept of sustainable living has gained significant traction. More than just a trend, sustainable living represents a lifestyle choice that prioritizes the health of our planet and future generations. This blog post will explore what sustainable living entails, its benefits, and practical steps you can take to incorporate it into your daily life. A vibrant garden showcasing diverse pla