Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 27, 2026 UN
On Friday, the UN General Assembly was briefed on the latest achievements of the UN80 initiative, which aims to strengthen the Organization's effectiveness and readiness for future challenges. This included progress in developing the New Humanitarian Compact, as well as reforms in training and research.
Since the initiative's launch in March 2025, teams led by the Secretary-General Antonio Guterresand are working on a broad package of proposals covering peacekeeping, development, human rights and humanitarian action, as well as general areas such as data, technology and services.
This includes efforts to improve the efficiency of the UN Secretariat, strengthen the processes for developing, implementing and reviewing mandates (the decisions of Member States that shape the work of the UN), and find ways to enhance coherence and teamwork across the system.
The February 27 briefing focused on proposals to streamline humanitarian operations and the possible merger of several UN agencies involved in training and research.
Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder opened the meeting with an overview of the UN80 initiative's progress over the past 12 months, noting that the scale and complexity of the reforms make them difficult to understand. He promised to provide clearer information and a fuller understanding of the process in an upcoming report.
Eliminating duplication of humanitarian efforts
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher presented the New Humanitarian Compact, a process to reform humanitarian operations, which are under unprecedented pressure.
He was joined by the heads of key UN humanitarian agencies – UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director-General Amy Pope, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Saleh, and World Food Programme Assistant Executive Director Matthew Hollingworth. They all spoke about how their organizations are strengthening collaboration and "working as one."
Catherine Russell noted that the system in which humanitarian agencies operate in parallel – with their own warehouses, transport, contracts and logistics networks – is no longer sustainable.
"When supply chains are integrated, children receive aid more quickly. When food distribution systems are coordinated, fewer children suffer from malnutrition. When diplomatic efforts are coordinated, humanitarian access improves," she noted.
Fletcher, praising the five agencies' efforts to coordinate their work, noted that, with needs growing faster than available resources, the coordinated efforts are already producing tangible results on the ground.
"Reform is absolutely essential," he said. "Resetting means more clearly defining priorities to save lives, radically improving the effectiveness of our work, and defending our values and principles, which are under constant pressure."
Reform of the fragmented system of training and research
Training and research are important functions of the UN system, but they currently remain fragmented, with duplicative functions, high costs and financial risks.
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, and Michelle Giles-McDonough, Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), have proposed reforms that would consolidate separate structures and create a coordinating mechanism to use resources more effectively.
Marvala also presented an idea for an AI-powered platform to counter disinformation and strengthen the link between research and education.
"In a complex organization like the UN, expertise and operational experience are often scattered across different structures," he noted. "Such a platform could connect the practical experience and needs of Member States with scientific priorities, translating research findings into applied teaching tools."
Next steps towards a 'fit for purpose' Organization
An updated update on the UN80 initiative is planned for civil society at the end of March. A high-level event organized as part of the High-Level Political Forum will also take place in July.
The Secretary-General intends to demonstrate to Heads of State and Government during the General Assembly High-Level Week in September that the UN system is capable of effectively delivering on its responsibilities and developing.
At stake, says Guy Ryder, is "the ability of the UN system to meet the challenges of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow."
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