United Nations Reform

"We are transforming our United Nations not as an end in itself, but as a means to better carry out our mission of peace, development and human rights."

Secretary-General Kofi Annan, 27 April 1998

In 1997, Secretary-General Kofi Annan initiated a wide-ranging reform programme for the United Nations. The reform directives aim to establish a new leadership culture and management structure at the United Nations that lead to greater unity of purpose, coherence of efforts and agility in responding to the pressing needs of the international community.

To facilitate greater focus on and collaboration between the core missions of the United Nations, executive committees were established in the areas of peace and security, economic and social affairs, development cooperation and humanitarian affairs. Advancement of human rights, the fifth core mission, is integral to all United Nations activities and is addressed by all four executive committees.

The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) was formed to enhance the effectiveness and impact of United Nations development operations. Its purpose is to facilitate joint policy formation and decision-making. At the same time, it helps sharpen the contribution that each member makes towards the overall objectives of the United Nations by reducing duplication of efforts and facilitating greater complementarity and coherence in development activities.

The UNDG Executive Committee sets policy priorities to enhance programme harmonization and collaboration among UNDG members and works with the Executive Committees on Peace and Security, Economic and Social Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs to develop operational linkages across sectoral boundaries. It also promotes partnerships with the Bretton Woods Institutions and other development organizations.

At the country level, the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) are expected to provide programming frameworks for all United Nations entities involved in development operations. For example, UNDAFs provide a strategic platform for the effective implementation of the goals agreed upon by governments at United Nations global conferences. The development of UNDAFs by United Nations country teams, in close collaboration with governments, will contribute to greater coherence and enhanced impact of United Nations development operations on the lives of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people.

A number of other UN Reform initiatives, such as strengthening the Resident Coordinator system and the designation of UN Houses, are discussed elsewhere in the site.