MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia welcomes the report of the Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on UN System-Wide Coherence in the Areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance and the Environment.
The report is an ambitious attempt to tackle the many causes of fragmentation and incoherence within the UN, which reduce its effectiveness in fighting poverty, providing humanitarian assistance and protecting the environment.
Australia has long advocated reform of the UN to ensure the organisation reflects the needs of today's world.
Like other member states, Australia will need time to consider the issues raised in the report; however, many of its ideas seem sensible and pragmatic.
I welcome the key recommendation of the Report-that there should be 'One UN' at the country level. With 38 organisations, each with different status, governance, funding arrangements and overlapping mandates, the impact of the UN is currently less than the sum of its parts. Competition among agencies, mission creep and outdated business practices hamstring the UN's ability to deliver results on the ground. This must change.
Reform of the UN system is a long-term process. It is political as well as bureaucratic. It is our responsibility as a stakeholder in the UN, and the 13th largest contributor to the UN's regular budget, to ensure that the recommendations of the report are given proper consideration.
Australia stands ready to participate in a vigorous and constructive debate over the coming months on the important issues raised in the report.
Media contacts:
Tony Parkinson (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590