THE AIAIASP: 30th Public Services International Congress conducted in grand success at Geneva

30th Public Services International Congress conducted in grand success at Geneva

Public Services International is a global trade union federation representing 20 million working women and men who deliver vital public services in 154 countries. PSI champions human rights, advocates for social justice and promotes universal access to quality public services. PSI works with the United Nations system and in partnership with labour, civil society and other organisations.

On Monday evening (30th October 2017), the main hall of the Geneva Conference Centre was packed for the opening event of the Public Services International 30th World Congress. The theme of the 2017 Congress is "People over profit". Concluding ceremony held on 3rd November, 2017.

Rosa Pavanelli has been unanimously re-elected to her role as General Secretary of Public Services International.

After five years in the job, over one hundred affiliates and a thousand delegates made the decision to keep Pavanelli and PSI President Dave Prentis in their roles for the next five year term. A decision which was met by cheering throughout the congress venue.

Proclaimed as the only candidate, and therefore the next PSI General Secretary, Rosa Pavanelli defined the challenges for the next five years: “Continue fighting against privatisation and ensuring that services are always provided with public resources", as well as, strengthening PSI by increasing its membership.

As well as the above, on the first day of the World Congress, Dave Prentis was also proclaimed as the next President of the organisation.

"The bigger we are, the stronger we are to face our enemies," Pavanelli said while assuring that as an organisation, "we have to change, because we do not always measure up to the needs of our workers, especially the new generations".

On the first day of Congress, Rosa was positively evaluated and highlighted the active participation of the attendees in the debate, she said "there are different positions regarding some of the resolutions, that strengthens the internal democracy in our organisation."

"I think that spaces like these where we can talk, recognize ourselves and share moments of joy, is what an organisation like PSI needs and deserves."

PSI has made outstanding arrangements for the delegates and guests. More than 1200 delegates from world attended PSI. There were 9 delegates from India. Many amendments and resolutions discussed in the conference.