FAFICS Council Session Concludes in Vienna

July 24, 2026

The five-day 56th Council Session of the Federation of Associations of Former International Civil Servants (FAFICS), held in Vienna from 20 to 24 July 2026, concludes today.

Representing AFICS-PHL at the Council were President Thetis Mangahas and delegates Ruth Batten, Mi Ann Maglipon, Lydia Ontal, Judith Magnaye, and Ron Magnaye. Judith and Ron attended in person in Vienna, while the others participated virtually. In addition, Lois Villanueva and Henry Cardenas took part in the Council's communication and health sessions, respectively.

Election of officers was part of the Council meeting and our nominee, Jessie Rose Mabutas, was elected as one of FAFICS’ auditors. 

The Council's agenda covered a wide range of issues affecting former international civil servants, including the status of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund. The discussions conveyed a reassuring message: current UN retirees have no immediate cause for concern regarding their pensions. At the same time, the Council noted that future retirees may be affected by possible changes to retirement benefits that remain under discussion.

The meeting also featured presentations that will help strengthen member associations. Among these was the Council's framework on succession planning, which provides practical guidance on identifying, preparing, and encouraging capable and committed individuals to assume future leadership roles.

Equally valuable was the strategic communication model presented by the Standing Committee on Communication. The framework demonstrated how effective communication can help associations better engage their members, attract new ones, and raise the visibility of their organizations.