Margherita Amodo to AFICS Geneva: Access to EarthMed by Retired Staff

Dear Odette,

Thanks for keeping us up to date on the latest news and, in particular, the last one regarding pensions.

I have received the message below (addressed to former UNICEF staff) indicating that a portal has been set up under iSeek called EarthMed to help UN staffers in these trying times of the Covid 19 pandemic. 

I have tried to access EarthMed without success as it requires inputting an organizational password.  Subsequently, I have been advised that the portal is only destined for active staffers.

In view of the SG's recent message expressing his understanding and compassion to retirees regarding the health of the Pension Fund, I am surprised that this portal is not accessible to retirees who belong to the "at risk" age group - as does the SG himself. 

I wonder if you have any news about whether the portal will be made accessible to retirees or if the staff unions intend to take this matter up with UNHQ to ensure that all UN staffers, whether active or not, have access to the valuable information.  This is really a case where age-ism wins. 

Many thanks and kind regards.

Margherita