Welcome Words - Celebrating Francis Maupain

I cannot not think of a more cherished honor than to welcome you, here in Geneva - and virtually all over the world - to an event to celebrate the life and work of Francis Mapuain.

 The ILO and so many of us are ever so indebted to Francis’ tireless commitment and work to advance the social justice mission of the International Labour Organization - as institutional architect, consensus builder and brilliant legal mind. The respect and trust that Francis amassed from all three constituents of the ILO, and well beyond, speaks for itself, as transpires from this homage and the collective book that Brian Languille and Anne Trebilcock so skillfully put together. A very special thanks to them, in addition to the Swiss Government and the TASC platform (Kitrhona in particular) for hosting this event today. 

I do not have the time to mention all the accomplishments and contributions of Francis Maupain to the ILO, as Legal Adviser or as special adviser to the DG - and, once again speaking volumes of his dedication, Francis expressed a desire to not make him the focus of today but to seize it as an opportunity to reflect on the future. Still we cannot help it but to stress how Francis embodies the ideal international civil servant at all levels: in addition to his legal excellence and creativity - and his multiple academic and practitioner contributions; his irreproachable integrity; and his "vocation de service" to the Organization and its mandate. Francis is a living example for all international civil servants of how it is possible to be devoted to advancing the values of the ILO without falling into any partisan positioning. Francis also embodies a rare breed, that of the true gentleperson - who is not an admirer or a friend of his? 

But beyond, onto to concrete impact, Francis' many accomplishments in crucial matters (such as the drafting and adoption of the 1998 and 2008 ILO Conference Declarations or his contributions to development and application of the ILO constitution in law and practice) all attest to his ability to tackle skilfully both the big picture and all complex details. Finest strategist, his talents as a negotiator showed throughout his career. He is both a visionary and a pragmatic problem solver, and our luck: his having ever so generously devoted his career, not to say his life, to the International Labour Organization. What is more, his ego has always been out of the question - and that is why I know he may not be appreciating the public praise that he will receive today.

As we look into the future - what Francis wants us to do today - we can only hope that the ILO finds officials who follow on his many fine qualities, dedication and inspiring footsteps. Thanks to all for being here - as we look forward to an enriching, thought-provoking and action inspiring conversation today - thank you - et du fond du coeur, toute notre reconnaissance et admiration Francis.