Global Values in International Organisations 427In closing, I am reminded of that famous quotation attributed to the
former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the late
Tip O’Neill, who in the 1980’s said “All politics is local.” Within the
UN system, the corollary to that maxim must be that “All UN politics is
personal.”
The character of all deliberative bodies changes over time, as mem-
bership changes. With new leaders, new staff members and new Mem-
ber State delegates, it is possible that interest in examining the virtues of
the international civil service and its foundational ethical values will
revive. And when that should happen, let us hope that those in leader-
ship positions are willing to advance this necessary and essential dia-
logue.