Latest news with #UN80Initiative
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Germany's Annalena Baerbock Elected President Of The 80th General Assembly
2 June 2025 She assumes the role at a challenging time, with ongoing conflicts, faltering development goals, mounting financial pressures, and the upcoming selection of the next Secretary-General. Ms. Baerbock received 167 votes following the secret ballot. Write-in candidate Helga Schmid (also from Germany) received seven. Fourteen delegations abstained. She becomes the first woman from the Western European group to hold the post and the fifth woman overall to lead the General Assembly. The presidency rotates among the world body's five regional groups. At 44 years, Ms. Baerbock is also one of the youngest leaders to secure the top job. Crucial juncture Ms. Baerbock's election comes at a critical juncture for the multilateral system, spearheaded by the United Nations. With the Security Council deadlocked – especially on moves to help end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza – the Assembly has become a vital forum for diplomatic engagement and consensus-building, even without binding authority on peace and security issues. As conflicts rage, the Assembly has passed a series of resolutions calling for ceasefires, humanitarian access and the protection of civilians. Many now see the Assembly as an essential platform for accountability and maintaining international focus on intractable crises, especially through the 'Veto Initiative' adopted in 2022 which ensures that issues blocked by permanent members on the Security Council are debated in the Assembly as a priority. A power wielded by the five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – a veto (or negative vote) can block Council action even when all other members support a motion. Pledge to be an honest broker In her acceptance speech, President-elect Baerbock acknowledged the current global challenges and pledged to serve as 'an honest broker and a unifier' for all 193 Member States, emphasising her theme of 'Better Together.' She outlined three priorities for her presidency: making the Organization more efficient and effective; advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and making the Assembly a 'truly inclusive forum'. She called for a UN 'that embraces everyone. I see the diversity of the General Assembly as our strength. This is the place where all nations come together and where every country has a seat and a voice.' She also highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality, multilingualism, and engagement with civil society and youth. UN80 initiative Ms. Baerbock also touched on the UN80 initiative, which was launched by Secretary-General António Guterres in March. ' The UN80 Initiative should not be a mere cost-cutting exercise,' she said, stressing the need for bold ambition and readiness to take difficult decisions. ' Our common goal is a strong, focused, nimble and fit-for-purpose organization. One that is capable of realising its core objectives – we need a United Nations that delivers on peace, development and justice.' A career defined by multilateralism In congratulating Ms. Baerbock, current President Philemon Yang described her as a leader defined by ' an unwavering commitment to multilateralism ', praising her 'Better Together' vision. Mr. Yang, who steered the Assembly through a year marked by the Summit of the Future and persistent global crises, expressed confidence in her ability to build trust and foster dialogue across divides. Secretary-General António Guterres said Mr. Yang's successor was taking the gavel amid a 'difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system,' noting she was only the fifth woman to lead the body. The UN chief warned that 'conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family,' and called on the Assembly to unite in forging common solutions. The world parliament The General Assembly remains the UN's most representative body, where each Member State has an equal voice – and an equal say in decisions. While its resolutions are non-binding, the GA – as the acronym goes in New York – helps define global diplomatic norms, convenes dialogues on worldwide challenges and holds the Security Council to account. The 80th session, starting 9 September, is expected to be pivotal – not only for sheer number and intensity of crises ongoing – but for advancing long-term reforms, including the UN80 initiative and the selection of the next Secretary-General before his term ends in 2026.
Japan Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
How efficiency can transform sustainable development
As China and the United States leapfrog each other with staggering artificial intelligence innovations and the promise of quantum computing hurtles us toward a new dimension of problem-solving, the quest for more processing power with less hardware — for increased computational efficiency — is fierce. The buzz around technological efficiency extends to reforming complex governance systems — but, as the adage goes, haste makes waste. Impulsive reforms for efficiency's sake risk ignoring interconnected dependencies and multilateral benefits. Even cautious cuts can have unintended consequences, but rash restructuring creates shocks that can quickly unravel efforts toward achieving sustainable development. We must find ways to leverage this race for efficiency to strive for lasting peace and prosperity. While some national leaders market efficiency as a novel strategy, the United Nations has systematically worked with its member states for many years to increase organizational impact with fewer resources. In the year of the U.N.'s 80th anniversary, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has refocused reform through the UN80 Initiative, which emphasizes three areas: Identifying efficiencies and improvements in how the U.N. works, reviewing the implementation of all mandates given by U.N. member states and strategically reviewing deeper structural realignment within the U.N. system. Reform of complex institutions has never been easy. It requires evidence, patience and cooperation. Now, institutions exist in a hyper-connected, technology-driven world and while this should be a boon for innovative solutions and efficiency, it also presents challenges and risks — ranging from generative AI disinformation campaigns to economic manipulation and legal conflicts. How can we align initiatives for technological and structural efficiency so that they support sustainable development? First, we must champion the democratization of AI. As the Global Digital Compact emphasizes, this technology can and will turbocharge sustainable development. But to democratize it, we need the creativity and cultural diversity of smaller nations and societies to drive digital advances in directions that serve their needs. These local contributions have the knock-on effect of creating ecosystems of innovation that help countries build their digital futures and the local economies that support them. No matter how powerful the AI or how sophisticated the algorithm, true progress will not materialize unless we invest in local systems. This is key to equalizing access to artificial intelligence and its benefits. In working to democratize AI, we should proceed cautiously and collaboratively: The line between using it for good and for bad can be fine. As technologies become more accessible, their use becomes increasingly difficult to govern. For example, AI is helping us employ drones to distribute humanitarian and medical aid in rural or conflict-prone regions. But these same technologies can be engineered to undermine and target aid workers and health infrastructure while creating mistrust in affected communities. Our success will depend on robust governance. And to build this, our approach should be as creative and innovative as the pursuit of AI itself. Second, our initiatives for increased efficiency must remain centered on the key principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. These five Ps need to be both the tenets of our efficiency goals and the products of efficiency gains. By focusing on people, we can promote a human rights-based approach: If efficiency improvements in technological advancement and institutional reform undermine human rights, then we know we need to go back to the drawing board. On top of this, our planet is facing the severe triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. We can't ignore this reality in the name of quick change or short-term profits, and the potential for AI and digital technology to help us confront this situation is vast. One example is how new leaps in computational efficiency could help reduce AI-supporting data centers' voracious consumption of natural resources and energy. At the same time, prosperity is rooted in access and access is based on the democratization of technology. Successful efficiency gains will improve the availability of and connections between key ingredients of prosperity such as education, health care, new employment markets and agricultural innovations. These benefits are particularly important for Africa, where more than 860 million people face food insecurity and an estimated 65% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture. Peace is also essential for sustainable development. Every proposed effort to increase efficiency has to be examined according to its potential to promote or disrupt peace. In fact, there are great fears surrounding the militarization of AI, from autonomous weapons systems to losing human accountability in war, as unchecked technological development combined with weak governance risks exacerbating and intensifying conflicts while dehumanizing acts of aggression. As U.N. member states implement the Global Digital Compact, they have a new opportunity to restructure cooperation for more effective peace-building efforts, including leveraging AI for preventive diplomacy and predicting conflict before it boils over. We can't forget that partnerships are fundamental to achieve efficiency and impact. Soon after the world embarked on efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it was clear that we faced a dearth of baseline data and shared data systems to effectively assess progress. This realization resulted in a renewed and successful focus on partnerships to improve shared sustainable development data systems. Since then, the rocketing growth of AI-driven data systems has revealed massive potential for partnerships. In my work, I have also drawn attention to the value of establishing such collaborations for cross-border data flows and their governance. This year, the organization I lead, the United Nations University, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Looking ahead to the next half century, UNU has refocused on expanding its partnerships because we know our work is measurably more impactful if we combine and not duplicate efforts. As the world considers how to increase efficiency across technologies and institutions and looks to automation and AI to achieve this, we must first work together to build a stable foundation. As Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates once said, 'automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency ... automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.' Tshilidzi Marwala is rector of the United Nations University and undersecretary-general of the United Nations. He is the author of "The Balancing Problem in the Governance of Artificial Intelligence" (Springer, 2024).
Al Etihad
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Guterres announces 'UN80 Initiative' to strengthen UN system
13 May 2025 09:44 NEW YORK (WAM) UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced that the world body is developing a roadmap to unify its structures, streamline operations and expand its digital Member States in New York on Monday on the UN80 Initiative, Guterres outlined a wide-ranging effort to revamp how the UN system operates – cutting costs, streamlining operations, and modernising its approach to peace and security, development and human in March, the UN80 Initiative centres on three priorities: enhancing operational efficiency, assessing how mandates – or key tasks – from Member States are implemented, and exploring structural reforms across the UN conclusions will be reflected in revised estimates for the 2026 budget in September this year, with additional changes that require more detailed analysis presented in the proposal for the 2027 said the changes are expected to yield 'meaningful reductions' in the overall UN Secretary-General briefs on the UN80 Initiative, saying, 'The measure of success is not the volume of reports we generate or the number of meetings we convene. The measure of success — the value, purpose and aim of our work — is in the real-world difference we make in the lives of people.''The UN80 Initiative is a significant opportunity to strengthen the UN system and deliver for those who depend on us. It is central for implementing the Pact for the Future. It is crucial for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The needs of the people we serve must remain our guiding star.'He added, 'We must always stick to principles. We must never compromise core values. We must forever uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We will advance all this work so that our three pillars — peace and security, development and human rights — are mutually reinforced, and the geographical balance of our workforce and our gender and disability strategies will be preserved.'Guterres outlined the first workstream of the UN80 Initiative, aimed at improving efficiencies through service consolidation, relocation to cheaper locations, and greater use of automation and digital said departments at the UN's headquarters in New York and Geneva have been asked to review whether some teams can be relocated to lower-cost duty stations, reduced or second workstream involves a review of how existing mandates are being carried out – not the mandates themselves, which are the purview of Member States only.A preliminary review identified more than 3,600 unique mandates for the Secretariat alone. A full and more detailed analysis is now emphasised that the sheer number of mandates – and the bureaucracy needed to implement them – places a particular burden on smaller Member States with limited resources.'The third workstream – focused on structural reform – is already underway,' Guterres said. Nearly 50 initial submissions have already been received from senior UN officials, reflecting what Guterres described as 'a high level of ambition and creativity.' Key work areas have been identified for review, including peace and security, development, human rights, humanitarian, training and research and specialised agencies.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Chief Calls For Major Reforms To Cut Costs And Improve Efficiency
12 May 2025 Briefing Member States in New York on Monday Mr. Guterres outlined wide-ranging effort to revamp how the UN system operates – cutting costs, streamlining operations, and modernizing its approach to peace and security, development and human rights. 'These are times of peril,' he said, 'but they are also times of profound opportunity and obligation. The mission of the United Nations is more urgent than ever. ' Three main objectives Launched in March, the UN80 Initiative centres on three priorities: enhancing operational efficiency, assessing how mandates – or key tasks – from Member States are implemented, and exploring structural reforms across the UN system. The conclusions will be reflected in revised estimates for the 2026 budget in September this year, with additional changes that require more detailed analysis presented in 2027. 'Meaningful' budget reductions Mr. Guterres said the changes are expected to yield 'meaningful reductions' in the overall budget. For example, the departments for political and peacekeeping affairs could see a 20 per cent reduction in staff by eliminating duplication. This level of reduction, he said, could serve as a benchmark across the UN system – while also considering unique factors for each department. Additional examples include consolidating all counter-terrorism work within the main Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), ending building leases and relocating posts away from expensive 'duty stations' where cost of living is high. 'There might be immediate, one-off costs involved in relocating staff and providing potential termination packages,' he said, 'but by moving posts from high-cost locations, we can reduce our commercial footprint in those cities and reduce our post and non-post costs. ' UN Secretary-General António Guterres briefs on the UN80 Initiative. Efficiencies and upgrades The first workstream focuses on efficiencies and improvements, developing a new model that improves consolidation, looks at centralising services, relocating to cheaper locations, and expanding the use of automation and digital platforms. Mr. Guterres said departments the UN's headquarters in New York and Geneva have been asked to review whether some teams can be relocated to lower-cost duty stations, reduced or abolished. Reviewing mandates The second workstream involves a review of how existing mandates are being carried out – not the mandates themselves, which are the purview of Member States only. A preliminary review identified more than 3,600 unique mandates for the Secretariat alone. A full and more detailed analysis is now underway. Mr. Guterres emphasised that the sheer number of mandates – and the bureaucracy needed to implement them – places a particular burden on smaller Member States with limited resources. 'Based on this work, Member States may wish to consider the opportunity to conduct themselves a review of the mandates,' he added. Structural change The third workstream – focused on structural reform – is already underway, Mr. Guterres said. Nearly 50 initial submissions have already been received from senior UN officials, reflecting what Mr. Guterres described as 'a high level of ambition and creativity.' Key work areas have been identified for review. These include peace and security, development, human rights, humanitarian, training and research, and specialised agencies. Not an answer to liquidity crisis Mr. Guterres also touched on the UN dire cashflow situation, noting that the initiative 'is not an answer' to the months-long liquidity crisis but by being more cost effective, it should help limit the impact. ' The liquidity crisis is caused by one simple fact – the arrears,' he said, adding that structural reform is not the answer to a fundamental failure by some Member States to pay what they owe on time to meet running costs. Unpaid dues According to information provided by the UN Controller to the General Assembly's Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), only $1.8 billion has been received against the $3.5 billion regular budget assessments for 2025 – a shortfall of around 50 per cent. As of 30 April, unpaid assessments stood at $2.4 billion, with the United States owing about $1.5 billion, China ($597 million), Russia ($72 million), Saudi Arabia ($42 million), Mexico ($38 million), and Venezuela ($38 million). An additional $137 million is yet to be paid by other Member States. For the peacekeeping budget (which runs on a July-June cycle), including prior-period arrears, the unpaid amount totals $2.7 billion. For the International Tribunals, total contribution outstanding was $79 million as of 30 April. Close consultation The Secretary-General told Member States he would be consulting with them closely and regularly on the cash crisis and needed reforms, seeking guidance and presenting concrete proposals for countries to act on. UN staff members and their representatives are being consulted and listened to, he added: ' Our concern is to be humane and professional in dealing with any aspect of the required restructuring. ' In conclusion, he highlighted that the UN80 Initiative is a 'significant opportunity' to strengthen the UN system and deliver for those who depend on it. In response to the suggestion that the UN should focus on just the one key pillar of peace and security, he said it would be wrong to ditch development and human rights – all three are essential he underscored. ' Let us seize this momentum with urgency and determination, and work together to build the strongest and most effective United Nations for today and tomorrow.'
United News of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
UN expects 'meaningful reductions' in 2027 budget
World United Nations, May 12 (UNI) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that the UN budget will see significant cuts in the financial year of 2027. "Additional challenges that require more detailed analysis will be presented in the proposal for the proposed program budget for 2027. We expect meaningful reductions in the over all budget level," Guterres said at a UN General Assembly meeting. "We expect meaningful reductions in the overall budget level." Separately, the revised version of the 2026 budget will be presented in September, which will give enough time to approve the budget before the end of the year, Guterres added. In March, Guterres announced the launch of the UN80 Initiative, which includes an audit of its operations to optimize expenses. The reforms are taking place amid cuts in the UN budget contributions by the Trump administration and the US's review of aid projects. UNI SPUTNIK GNK
