New York [US], May 14 (HBTV): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for wide-ranging structural reforms to improve the global body's functioning. He outlined major cost-cutting and efficiency strategies, including relocating services from high-cost duty stations, centralising IT and support services, expanding automation, and restructuring key departments.
Speaking at a briefing on the UN80 Initiative in New York, Guterres explained that the reforms are based on three key workstreams: identifying efficiencies under the current structure, reviewing mandate implementation, and considering structural changes and programme realignment across the system.
‘As indicated in my letter of 11 March, the UN80 Initiative is structured around three key workstreams,’ Guterres said. ‘First, we are striving to rapidly identify efficiencies and improvements under current arrangements. Second, we are reviewing the implementation of all mandates given to us by Member States. And third, we are undertaking consideration of the need for structural changes and programme realignment across the UN system.’
The reforms are being spearheaded by Under-Secretary-General Catherine Pollard, who is leading a Working Group tasked with developing a new business model for the UN. The group is focused on reducing redundancy, streamlining operations, and implementing integrated cost-effective solutions.
Guterres said priority areas include functional and structural consolidation, workforce streamlining, and relocating services from expensive locations. The aim is to centralise IT and administrative support, and expand digital platforms to boost efficiency.
‘All Secretariat entities in New York and Geneva have been asked to review their functions to determine if any can be performed from lower-cost locations, or may otherwise be reduced or abolished. This especially pertains to those functions that do not directly support intergovernmental bodies in New York and Geneva,’ he said.
He added that the UN’s High-Level Committee on Management has identified system-wide efficiencies in human resources, supply chain management, and IT services. Proposals are now being drafted, including identifying services that can be delivered more quickly and at lower cost through more competitive contracts.
Guterres noted that significant savings have already been achieved in New York by terminating leases and consolidating office space. Two additional buildings are expected to close when their leases expire in 2027.
Addressing the peace and security sector, he proposed merging units in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), eliminating duplication and trimming workforce size.
‘I believe we’ll be able to eliminate 20 per cent of the posts of the two departments,’ he said, adding that a similar streamlining is being considered for the civilian component of peacekeeping.
He also mentioned plans to consolidate counter-terrorism efforts under the Office of Counter-Terrorism (OCT) and to reassess the structure of regional offices and special envoys to enhance functionality and reduce costs.
Guterres acknowledged that some changes would involve initial costs, such as staff relocation and termination packages, but argued that long-term savings would outweigh these.
‘Efficiencies cannot be achieved unless we also focus on the programmatic areas of work,’ he said, noting that consultations with staff and their representatives are ongoing to ensure a humane and professional approach to restructuring.
He concluded by emphasising that additional proposals would be submitted to Member States and that the General Assembly’s approval would be sought for many of the changes.
‘We know that some of these changes will be painful for our UN family. Staff and their representatives are being consulted and heard. Our concern is to be humane and professional in dealing with any aspect of the required restructuring,’ he added.
(ANI)