RSCE Journey to Building a Racism-Free Environment

The Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) held an Anti-Racism Dialogue marking the beginning of an anti-racism campaign in line with the Secretary-General’s Strategic Workplan on Addressing Racism and Promoting Dignity for All in the UN Secretariat.

The theme of the Anti-Racism Dialogue, Building a Culture of Accountability in Addressing Racism in the United Nations, acknowledges the presence of racism within the UN workplace.

RSCE anti-racism advocates, Mr. Emmanuel Ngor, Chief of the Regional Field Technology Service and Ms. Nalini Contreras, Deputy Director, RSCE are committed to enhancing awareness through campaigns, dialogue, and training initiatives. In a spirit of inclusivity, these advocates will collaborate closely with the Director's office, the National Staff Association, and the Field Staff Union to address any systemic issues related to racism in the workplace.

"Celebrating and valuing our diverse cultures is fundamental to fostering and sustaining a healthy work environment. By recognizing and appreciating the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to the table, we can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture." Emmanuel Ngor.

Mr. Paulin Djomo, Director, RSCE, pledged to facilitate psychological safety training.

This commitment underscores RSCE’s value on each employee's well-being and right to express themselves without fear of reprisal. It ensures that employees and managers feel secure in sharing their ideas, taking risks, and voicing their concerns without apprehension of negative repercussions.

“When I think of anti-racism in the context of the RSCE, I think about 5 questions. Do you know about the history and impact of racism? What are your intentions in making anti-racism a way of life? Are you courageous enough to stand up against racism? Do you understand and share the feelings of those affected by racism and What steps are you taking to actively oppose racism?" Asked Mr. Djomo as he encouraged staff to speak up against racism in the workplace.

After a team building exercise where staff were divided into three groups and asked to identify who they have similarities with, differences with and in which group they felt they related with more, staff were given an opportunity to express their views and experiences with racism both in and outside the workplace. ?This opened up a number of insights into what constitutes racism and how staff can respond.

“As we move forward, let us carry the insights gained today and turn them into action. The journey towards inclusivity and equity does not end here, this is only the beginning. By working together, fostering psychological safety and promoting a common understanding, we can create a more just and inclusive workplace for all.” Said Ms. Contreras.

Based in Entebbe, Uganda, the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) is the flagship Service Centre for the UN Secretariat, providing administrative, logistics and ICT services to 46% of all UN field operations worldwide. Employing close to 400 staff and managing almost 400,000 transactions annually, the RSCE supports over 16,400 personnel in 16 UN missions and offices across Africa. The RSCE is also home to the Regional Training and Conference Centre and the UN C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations that host over 250 events a year with over 3,500 participants.