Global Ethics for Leadership

Global Values in International Organisations 415

32.3 Yes, it Really is this Confusing

Recently, I asked a group of international civil servants, coming
from UN Funds and Programmes, UN Specialized Agencies, and other
international organizations, the following:

“Summarize in your own words the ethical rights, duties, and re-
sponsibilities of international civil servants.”
What did I expect to hear? I hoped to hear a relatively consistent ar-
ticulation of cardinal virtues that guide the decisions and behavior of
these international civil servants. I had hoped that the confusion de-
scribed above somehow had not infected these dedicated staff members.
Here are excerpts from what I heard:

• “The ethical framework must be known and the rules must be fol-
  lowed. When we encounter ethical issues, we must handle them
  with professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.”


• “Integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.”


• “Civil servants should align their actions with principles and
  standards like respect for human rights, social justice, dignity, in-
  tegrity.”


• “International civil servants have a special calling: to serve the
  ideals of peace and respect for rights, of economic and social
  progress, and international cooperation. They must adhere to the
  highest standards of conduct.”


• “Ethical values must be the cornerstone of our talent manage-
  ment.”


• “The International Civil Servant is exemplary in all facets of life
  both as a professional and as an individual.”


• “Independence. Trust. Accountable. Stay clear of any possible
  conflict of interest.”