Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
U.N. outlines UN80 reform streams; appoints expert group to develop measures beyond GDP
Loading...
Summary
Secretary‑General António Guterres described UN80 as three workstreams to identify efficiencies, review mandates and consider structural change. The U.N. appointed an independent high‑level expert group to recommend measures beyond GDP with work beginning with a closed briefing.
António Guterres, U.N. secretary-general, said the UN80 initiative is structured around three workstreams: identify efficiencies and improvements under current arrangements; review implementation of mandates given by member states; and consider structural changes and program realignment across the U.N. system.
The secretary-general said the secretariat has identified more than 3,600 individual mandates for the Secretariat alone and that relevant entities will be invited to propose consolidation and efficiency opportunities. He also said some secretariat functions in New York and Geneva were asked to review whether tasks could be performed from lower-cost duty stations or abolished.
The U.N. announced the appointment of an independent high-level expert group to develop recommendations for measuring progress that complement GDP, a process tied to the Sustainable Development Goals’ objective to produce broader measures by 2030. The expert group's work will begin with a closed briefing for member states led by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder.
Why it matters: the initiative targets management, mandates and possible relocation or lease changes with potential implications for staff, budgets and program delivery. The secretary-general emphasized consultations with staff and unions and said some changes will be difficult but will be pursued in accordance with staff rules and regulations.
Details: Guterres noted that one lease in New York has already not been renewed and that two more New York leases will not be renewed when they expire. He said matters under his direct authority will be presented to member states, including adjustments to the programme budget in September. The reform work spans items under member-state authority and specialized agencies outside the secretary-general’s direct control.
Appointment action: the briefing said the independent expert group will consult closely with member states and stakeholders and work toward recommendations that complement GDP by 2030.
Context: U.N. officials said changes are being proposed across management, program alignment and mandates; staff concerns exist about pace and impact, and the U.N. plans written communication and engagement with staff and unions.
