This analysis, first published by the International Peace Institute Global Observatory, has been edited with permission for clarity, length and style. It was written by Damian Lilly, an independent consultant who works on humanitarian, peace, and security issues. The views expressed represent those of the author and not necessarily those of IPI GO, the institute, or Arete News.
The United Nations faces its greatest financial crisis since its founding at the end of World War II. The effectiveness and efficiency of the U.N. system is under unprecedented scrutiny. While there has been talk of reform for years, structural changes are now firmly on the agenda. Even the potential merger of U.N. entities, once a taboo subject, is now openly discussed.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, marking the world body's 80th year, launched the 'UN80 Initiative' earlier this year in a bid to ensure it "remains effective, cost-efficient and responsive to the people it serves" – and to reassure donors that taxpayer money reaches people in need.
Global Analysis — Central African Republic — Mali — Sudan — Congo — U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) — United Kingdom — Germany — France — U.N. Migration (IOM) — U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) — Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) — World Food Program (WFP) — World Health Organization (WHO) — U.N. Women — U.N. Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) — International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — UNAIDS — UNRWA — Refugee Convention 1951 — U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) — UNICEF — U.N. Development Program (UNDP) — U.N. Environment (UNEP) — U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 1994 — United Nations — U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) — Global Issues — United States — Serbia
