The textual content, launched by Russia and adopted with out a vote, “welcomes the efforts of the Secretary‑Common to strengthen the United Nations with a view to preserve tempo with a altering world” and calls on UN entities and specialised businesses to align their reform efforts “as acceptable”.
Within the decision, the 193-member Meeting “recognises the central function of Member States within the reform course of, which must be inclusive and clear”.
It additionally “appears ahead to receiving, in accordance with established procedures” the Secretary‑Common’s proposals below the initiative, “considering the need to have clearly outlined aims and an evidence-based strategy, and aiming at strengthening the influence of the United Nations and enhancing its agility, responsiveness and resilience whereas addressing the difficulty of duplicative efforts and guaranteeing efficient and environment friendly mandate supply throughout all three pillars of the work of the United Nations.”
Launched by the Secretary-Common in March, the UN80 Initiative centres on three priorities: enhancing operational effectivity, assessing how mandates – or key duties – from Member States are applied and exploring structural reforms throughout the UN system.
Blended reactions on timing
A number of delegations voiced backing for the reform effort, however questioned the timing of the decision.
Talking for the European Union, Denmark mentioned the method was “untimely and unnecessarily rushed”, noting that restricted time for consultations “didn’t enable for the constructive engagement such an initiative requires”.
Australia, on behalf of the CANZ group (Canada, Australia and New Zealand), echoed that view, warning that an early decision “dangers limiting each the scope and ambition of the forthcoming proposals”.
Switzerland, talking for a gaggle together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, additionally confused that reform must be “formidable and strategic”, constructing on current property whereas guaranteeing lengthy‑time period efficiencies.
Japan emphasised its “dedication to multilateralism” and mentioned the initiative responds to the urgency of revitalising the UN.
“The success of the UN80 initiative depends on our shared and complementary obligations,” its delegate mentioned.
Member States within the driving seat
Exercising its proper of reply, Russia rejected claims that the textual content was rushed, saying it had “performed a number of rounds of consultations” and “took into consideration the purple traces specified by delegations, which got here out within the silence process”.
The silence process units out a window of time for delegations to specific objections to a draft decision or choice earlier than it’s formally acted upon.
The Russian delegate mentioned the decision places Member States “into the driving pressure of this course of” whereas recognising the Secretary‑Common’s prerogative as chief administrative officer below the UN Constitution.
“We search success within the UN’s adaptation to present and future challenges,” the Russian delegate mentioned, calling the decision’s adoption “a vital step” to make sure common assist for the initiative.
