Global Public Policy Institute
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03 July 2006
GPPi op-ed on UN management reform published by Deutsche Welle-World
In an op-ed published by Deutsche Welle-World, GPPi Associate Director Thorsten Benner comments on the US decision to withdraw its threat to block the UN budget because of insufficient progress on the reform of the UN Secretariat. Benner argues that while the immediate funding crisis of the United Nations may be stalled, the prospects for UN reform still look bleak.
In an opinion piece written for Deutsche Welle-World entitled "UN Crisis Postponed, Not Solved", GPPi Deputy Director Thorsten Benner argues that Germany and the European Union should make it clear that it is no longer acceptable for the G77 members -- through cheap rhetoric -- to present themselves as advocates of development issues and at the same time -- through blocking strategies -- to weaken the ability of the organization to function. He stresses that that nations contributing the most money to the UN will not do so forever and reform efforts proposed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan must be pushed forward if the UN is to keep up with its increasingly complex role.
"What is necessary is a compromise between the supporters and opponents of the reforms. The greatest contributors, such as the US, should depart from a form of rhetoric in which the UN operates like a mere competitor in the "market for global problem-solving" -- a provider that the US uses as it pleases," Benner writes. "The result of this compromise would be a policy of providing greater support for the Secretariat while at the same time demanding improved performance and accountability. This policy would readjust the relationship between the member states and the Secretariat, while spurring on the revival of the noble ideals of the "international public service" that guided the founding of the UN"
Article available in German, English, and Spanish by clicking the links below.
Thorsten Benner: "Reformblockade am East River", Gastkommentar DW-WORLD.DE Deutsche Welle 30 June 2006.
Thorsten Benner: "UN Crisis Postponed, Not Solved", DW-WORLD.DE Deutsche Welle 30 June 2006.
Thorsten Benner: "ONU: destrabar el bloqueo de reformas", La otra visión DW-WORLD.DE Deutsche Welle 1 July 2006.
For more information please contact Thorsten Benner.