Following a briefing to the Informal Ad Hoc Working Group (IAHWG) on mandate implementation review under Workstream 2 of the UN80 Initiative, the Working Group Co-chairs held an interactive discussion to hear from civil society organizations (CSOs) on how to better support the creation, implementation, and review of UN mandates.

On 13 October 2025, the Programme Planning and Budget Division (PPBD) of the UN Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) informed members of the IAHWG on the links between mandate creation and the budget process, laying out the legislative framework, explaining how budgets are derived from resolutions and decisions, and outlining programme budget implications.

A document following up on the briefing offers answers to questions received from Member States as of 19 October dealing with, among other issues: the mandate registry and visibility; resourcing of registries and mandates; the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data tools in mandate creation; and enhancing the mandate resourcing process.

During an interactive discussion on 5 November, the IAHWG Co-chairs invited members of civil society to share insights, ideas, and recommendations on how the mandate landscape can be reformed for a more effective, efficient, and impactful UN. Hosted by the Permanent Missions of Jamaica and New Zealand and the Coalition for the UN We Need, the discussion took place at the Baha’i International Community UN Office, with the option to participate virtually.

Daniel Perell, UN Representative at Baha’i International Community, moderated the discussion.

IAHWG Co-chair Brian Wallace, Permanent Representative of Jamaica, said the Co-chairs’ desire to hear from civil society stems from a genuine interest in ideas on how we can make the UN better substantively and procedurally. Noting the UN currently has about 4,000 mandates, he said the Working Group is not reviewing individual mandates to decide which ones to cut but rather seeks to understand how mandates are created, implemented, and reviewed. Emphasizing the need “to get things done with existing resources” amid a financing crisis, Wallace underscored the importance of developing a shared understanding of the relationship between mandate creation and the budget.

IAHWG Co-chair Carolyn Schwalger, Permanent Representative of New Zealand, said the Working Group’s purpose is to deliver a set of principles and actions to better support the creation, implementation, and review of mandates. Noting that this process needs to demonstrate that reform is possible, she said the Working Group is conscious of what is happening in the other UN80 workstreams (Workstream 1 on efficiencies and improvements and Workstream 3 on structural changes and programme realignments).

Schwalger outlined the IAHWG’s two-stage process: a “discovery phase” the Working Group is in currently; and a “production phase” that is to conclude by the end of March 2026. She said the Working Group is due to report on progress by 15 December 2025.

Participants reflected on:

• Ways to improve the current system for mandate creation to reduce inefficiencies and duplication across the UN system;
• Good practices to enhance effective mandate implementation, obstacles, and targeted changes that could improve responsiveness to current needs;
• Ways to strengthen monitoring, review, and evaluation to ensure mandates remain relevant and results-oriented; and
• Leveraging data analytics and AI to improve the UN’s mandate lifecycle, including through safeguards and cross-sectoral partnerships.

Many speakers welcomed the opportunity for civil society to participate in Workstream 2 discussions but lamented the UN80 Initiative’s limited engagement with CSOs thus far. One participant highlighted the UN80 Initiative as an opportunity to tap into community-level insights of CSOs. Another suggested less formal but more efficient engagement mechanisms. One speaker wanted to know whether follow-up to CSOs’ proposals is envisioned.

Participants cautioned about the detrimental impacts of budget cuts affecting specific constituencies such as youth and alerted the Co-chairs to the risks associated with reducing the human rights pillar of the UN’s work. They stressed the need for the UN80 Initiative to integrate gender and the principles of equity, representation, and justice in all its “clusters” and to adopt intersectional metrics of accountability.

Several speakers called for clear paths for civil society involvement in mandate creation. One underscored the importance of business engagement already at the stage of ideation, given the private sector’s increasing role in mandate implementation.

In closing, Schwalger said to stop overpromising and underdelivering, equilibrium is needed between mandates and resources. Schwalger looked forward to written submissions from civil society that can be made until 21 November.

Wallace stressed the need for balance across the three pillars of UN work – peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. [Mandates that Deliver: Strengthening UN Mandates for the Future: Event Concept Note] [UN80 Initiative] [SDG Knowledge Hub Coverage of UN80 Imitative]