https://arab.news/vumg9
For eight decades now, the UN has been considered a global pillar when it comes to issues such as multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. Over that time, however, the organization has also faced multiple crises, leading it to adapt its structure and operations to meet evolving geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges. Now, as the UN’s 80th General Assembly takes place in New York, it does so against a backdrop of heightened global tension, including persistent humanitarian crises, climate emergencies and financial strain.
As a result, the UN80 Initiative, launched by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier this year, is a significant effort to strengthen the organization’s capacity, efficiency and relevance. It is necessary to address structural inefficiencies, improve operational coherence and secure the financial sustainability of the UN. This way, the UN can meet the demands of a complex and rapidly changing world.
One of the key issues is committing to enhance the effectiveness of the UN. Unfortunately, there currently appears to be operational redundancies, fragmented decision-making and bureaucratic obstacles. The UN can consolidate overlapping programs and functions, realigning priorities that will improve responsiveness. For example, the UN Development Programme, the UN Population Fund and UNICEF could coordinate their planning and resource allocation more closely. Such cooperation and integration would help these agencies to align their programming with common objectives, reducing duplication and allowing for the more rapid deployment of resources during crises.
These reforms could reduce delays in crisis response, improve coordination among UN entities and strengthen the overall coherence of the organization’s interventions. In addition, these moves would highlight the importance of clear accountability structures within the UN Secretariat, promoting decision-making that is both timely and in line with strategic objectives.
The UN80 Initiative is a significant effort to strengthen the organization’s capacity, efficiency and relevance
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh
Another key issue at the heart of the UN80 Initiative is financial sustainability. The UN has long faced challenges in obtaining and securing predictable and adequate funding. This creates constraints and impacts the delivery of essential programs. So, there needs to be timely and equitable financial contributions. Other innovative approaches can include partnerships with private sector actors and new financing instruments. There would also be greater confidence if there was more transparency in budget allocations and it was ensured that funds are channeled into important issues.
Structural reform is also vital. The UN undoubtedly faces challenges in addressing many global issues, such as climate change, conflict and humanitarian crises. Some people have argued for reviewing the composition and decision-making processes of key bodies of the UN, such as the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Secretariat, to create more integration, as well as specialized task forces to address certain challenges. For example, coordination between the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme is helping to ensure that displaced populations receive timely access to food, shelter and basic services. This is improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative overlap.
While the UN80 Initiative offers a comprehensive framework for reform, it has several obstacles to overcome. There could be political resistance among some member states because every government is going to prioritize its own strategic and economic interests, which can conflict with collective reform goals. Historical divisions have always made implementing such reforms difficult.
Furthermore, long-standing practices and bureaucracy can slow the adoption of new approaches and reduce the impact of proposed reforms. As a result, the initiative’s success depends not only on the types of reforms to be implemented but also on the political will of all parties involved.
Long-standing practices can slow the adoption of new approaches and reduce the impact of proposed reforms
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh
To advance the UN80 Initiative, at least two factors must be prioritized. First, it should be inclusive, meaning that it should include consultation with all member states, as well as civil society. Second, resources should be directed to those areas with the greatest potential for impact in order to enhance operational efficiency. This would require the strengthening of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of such reforms and to ensure accountability at all levels of the organization.
The potential benefits of effective reforms are significant. A more efficient, financially stable and strategically aligned UN could respond more effectively to crises, provide coherent leadership in multilateral diplomacy and better coordinate efforts across its diverse agencies and programs. More accountability and transparency could also improve the organization’s credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of member states and other parties.
So, by addressing its structural and operational shortcomings, the UN can improve its capacity to address global challenges such as climate change, conflict, humanitarian disasters, human rights protections and sustainable development.
The successful implementation of the UN80 Initiative depends on inclusive engagement with member states, political will and adaptive leadership. Through changes such as modernizing its institutional frameworks, the UN will be better equipped to advance the causes of peace and sustainable development across the world.
- Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh