UN Reform
IPI ( formerly International Peace Academy ) is engaged in a continuous endeavor to support Member States and UN Staff in their efforts to reform the United Nations. Since the creation of the UN in 1945, reform has been a constant feature as the organization has adapted to a changing global environment, expanding its mandate along the way.
However, in the wake of September 11, US-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and deepening international cleavages on issues ranging from global development to nuclear non-proliferation there arose a growing consensus among member states that a more fundamental overhaul of UN policies and institutions was needed.
In the fall of 2003, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan initiated the most recent phase of UN reform when in a speech to the General Assembly he stated that the organization found itself at a fork in the road. Immediately following this speech, he established the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change (HLP) to fundamentally review the UN role in international peace and security.
IPI accompanied and supported the reform process through a broad range of research and facilitation activities. In fact, much of IPI’s overall work is related broadly to the question of reform as our fundamental aim is to strengthen the UN’s performance.
Phases
IPI’s work on UN Reform since the creation of the High-level Panel can be broadly organized into three main phases:
- IPI Support During the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change
- IPI Support Leading Up to 2005 World Summit
- IPI Support to 2005 World Summit Follow-up
IPI’s work on UN Reform continues through the Coping with Crisis program.