Stronger Together: Advancing Inclusive Workplaces and Ethical Procurement in Pakistan

Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO), the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Pakistan is pioneering innovative solutions to improve workplace well-being and operational efficiency for nearly 4,000 UN personnel across 240 premises. Through collaborative engagement, strategic policy enhancements, and inclusive practices, the RCO is ensuring a healthier, more efficient, and gender-responsive UN system in Pakistan.

Throughout 2024, the RCO, in partnership with the Operations Management Team (OMT), has led a series of groundbreaking initiatives to enhance staff well-being and create a culture of open dialogue and accountability. Key initiatives include: Performance management and well-being awareness sessions, led by the DCO Human Resources Officer, provided new insights into the link between workplace performance and staff well-being. Held in October during UN Week, these sessions reshaped perspectives on effective workforce management. Regular townhall meetings, both online and in-person, have transformed staff engagement. The Resident Coordinator's provincial visits ensure that field colleagues' concerns are heard, while quarterly all-staff townhalls reach hundreds of personnel, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. Joint missions of the UN preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH) Coordinator and UNDSS staff counselors provided training on mediation and preventive mechanisms for mid-level managers in Pakistan's four provincial capitals, strengthening workplace accountability and protection measures.

Beyond workplace well-being, the RCO has been at the forefront of sustainable procurement reforms. Since 2016, it has prioritized environmental sustainability, disability inclusion, and gender parity in procurement practices. In 2024, the RCO introduced new policies on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse and launched accessibility surveys for vendors and venues, ensuring inclusive and ethical procurement standards.

Looking ahead, the RCO plans to establish an OMT task force to strengthen due diligence, integrate procurement with programmatic activities, and foster partnerships that drive gender-responsive, sustainable development in Pakistan. These efforts exemplify how strategic innovation and collaboration can transform operations and strengthen UN impact.