Positions appear to be polarized over proposed management reforms at the United Nations, according to recent media articles and UN sources.

UN General Assembly President Jan Eliasson told the Washington Times that UN member States are taking quite different positions on various aspects of the reforms. The group of developing countries (G-77) has recently introduced a resolution in the General Assembly’s budget committee, which would require the UN Secretariat to submit detailed reports on several issues affected by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s proposed management reforms. Apparently, there is a concern that the proposal could postpone indefinitely progress on these reforms, while the G-77 has argued that it is simply seeking to ensure that any changes do not weaken the General Assembly’s influence, eliminate jobs and threaten aid programmes. Some of the proposals could potentially have a significant impact on the UN’s work on environment and development, and a high-level panel has been meeting to discuss system-wide coherence in the areas of development, environment and humanitarian affairs. UN General Assembly President Eliasson expressed hope that management reforms can remain on track.
Links to further information
MEA Bulletin report (page five), 19 April 2006
Washington Times, 20 April 2006
Reuters news report, 20 April 2006