UN Reform: United for A Better World

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.

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.

Reference Reports and Materials:

 2006: Investing in the UN

2006: UN System Wide Coherence

2005: In Larger Freedom (Letter by SG, Report)

2005: Paris Declaration on AID Effectiveness

1997: A Programme for Reform

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