Addressing UN budget panel, Annan issues strong appeal for management reform

Addressing the General Assembly's powerful budget committee, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today issued a strong appeal for management reform and pledged a series of measures – including the appointment of a new advisor on the issue – to improve the efficiency of the United Nations.

"Not so long ago, our main job was to staff and service a predictable routine of meetings and conferences. Today, on top of that ongoing work, we manage an unpredictable, non-routine, fast-moving global enterprise encompassing peacekeeping, political missions, humanitarian relief and development," he told the Fifth Committee.

Stressing the need for management reform, he said its goal is to render the UN more efficient and accountable. "It is to equip the Secretary-General and Secretariat with the management tools and resources needed to handle complex global operations, and it is to ensure that we are answerable for results and performance through effective, stringent oversight."

Mr. Annan told the delegates that he is not looking for a "blank check" but rather for "authority with accountability."

He also pledged to appoint a senior adviser on management issues. "It is my intention to enlist a person of proven renown in the field, who would advise me on all aspects of the reform process and help ensure that our work is in line with international best practices."

Going over the results of last month's World Summit that require follow-up, he noted that action must be taken for the Peacebuilding Commission, Human Rights Council, improved oversight, and the creation of a new Ethics Office.

Mr. Annan pledged to submit recommendations during the first quarter of next year aimed at improving efficiency, including a detailed proposal for a one-time staff buy-out, "so we can establish a staffing profile that reflects the new priorities of the General Assembly and that enables us to meet the requirements of the 21st century."

The slight budget increase – less than 0.1 per cent – expected this year would mean that growth in priority areas would be funded largely through the reallocation of resources, he said.

"For the sake of our Organization, and most of all for the sake of the people we serve, let us continue pushing forward the indispensable process of management reform. Our time is here; the hour for action is now," he said.