The purpose of this paper is not to present a report of activities of the E.S. It follows previous consultations and attempts to present an overview of the current situation and how it developed - Our aim is to acquaint member and friendly unions once again with a clear picture of he current realities in order that we may all together find relevant and concrete solutions to the various problems confronting the I.U.S today - In this way we hope we would be saving or revitalising our mutual organisation.
In previous Contacts and Communications we have time and again explained how the I.U.S reached the present situation. It s worth reiterating that as a result of lack of any income generation activities since the 16th. Congress the organisation could not sustain itself for long. Where as expenditure on administrative, organisational and maintenance activities was a daily phenomenon there was very little or no income at all at some point in the course of time.
As we gather here to discuss the life of the I.U.S one can say that it’s in a very bad shape financially. The consequences of such a scenario are obvious and well known to most of us. For instance, it has become very difficult for the
As we may all agree the situation has been crucial and critical and the remaining E.S. members have been working in an extremely difficult environment. Nevertheless, in order to keep things going some stopgap measures have been sought for keeping up limited communication, attending pertinent events within the United Nations system in general and UNESCO in particular as well as initiating consultations and contacts between the E.S. and member unions whenever possible. Information on the I.U.S has also been made available on the Internet. It s worth mentioning the support the E.S. has enjoyed in these difficult times from some member Unions Such as F.Z.S - Germany, F.E.U.Q - Quebec, G.C.S.G.J - Libya, N.U.S.S - Syria to name but a few.
It s important to underline that the E.S. has been working in a way that will deal with the situation in order to provide sustainable solutions. In this regard, we would like to submit the following perspectives with the hope and believe that the biggest role is to be played by member unions present here or absent. This is because the future of the organisation depends more on the seriousness and promptness with which member and friendly unions would respond to the crisis. Given the importance of this particular moment in time we do expect that now more than ever be fore our member unions would hold the bull by the horns if we are to succeed.
In the past the E.S. managed to strike a deal on a lease and purchase project with a company in Prague - However, because of a lack of fulfilment of Contractual obligations on the part of the company the E.S. finally had to withdraw from the contract. Presently the E.S. has widened the scope to include every alternative income generating project and we are working with legal and financial experts to guarantee the interests of the organisation in the event of a new deal. In broadening this scope we are also exploring both from within Prague and outside. For this matter we do request the assistance of member unions to help achieve something in this regard and soon.
Meanwhile, we have to point out that there exists the threat of receivership on the building as a result of failure to meet a range of financial obligations in Prague. This makes the search for solutions an urgency requiring the support of every one concerned about the future of the I.U.S.
In order to alleviate the effects of the crisis on the daily activities of the organisation as regards creating minimum financial conditions for the remaining E.S. members and guaranteeing smooth administrative work it has become urgent and imperative for member unions to commit to pay up their dues (a great number of them have not met their financial obligations since 1992). Besides membership fees member and friendly unions should as well understand that the situation calls for other forms of financial and material assistance. In the past up until the recent time many promises were made but implementation of these promises never took place.
financial basis - While trying to avoid the past experiences it has become urgent that all member unions commit themselves for a Council or Congress to take place at the earliest possible time.
Up until a Council or Congress takes place and while attempts to overcome the financial crisis continue the chair organisations of the Regional Consultative Platforms (RCPS) should wake up and strive to ensure that regular communication and co-ordination takes place between the E.S. and member unions in their respective parts of the world. It’s important to clarify it’s an obligation for the chair organisations of the RCPS together with the E.S. to ensure that information flow is established amongst member unions. We would also welcome any assistance from the Regional Students organisations (AASU, ASA, ASIC, ESIB, GUAS, OCLAE).
From the above it’s quite clear that there is a lot to be done and the remaining members of the E.S. have been doing whatever they can to help. However, as human beings they have their limits beyond which they may not be able to go any further. This therefore calls for the collective support and commitment of every member and friendly union to get our act together in resolving the crisis now. Dear member and friendly unions, these are some of the ideas and submissions we are happy to bring to your attention and we have no doubt we can trust you to enrich them in order to deal with the issues with all the urgency and the seriousness they rightly deserve.