The United Nations needs to unify control of its development, humanitarian assistance and environment programs to overcome the current system that is 'failing widely', a panel was set to recommend on Thursday.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Luisa Dias Diogo of Mozambique and Jens Stoltenberg of Norway outlined the proposals of the panel they co-chair in the International Herald Tribune ahead of presenting them to UN chief Kofi Annan.
"To maintain its legitimate position as a leader within the multilateral system, the UN system needs drastic changes," they wrote.
While "the UN and its specialised agencies have much to offer in the way of expertise, knowledge, resources and practical experience ... the system is failing widely," they concluded.
They pointed to a lack of institutional effectiveness, cost efficiency and focus. Poor governance, unpredictable funding, and outdated practices, as well as an often fragmented and weak UN presence on the ground were also cited.
They put the blame on "policy incoherence, program duplication and vested interests in the status quo," with attempts by UN staff to remedy the situation "thwarted by inappropriate administrative procedures, mediocre management and ill-conceived loyalties."
To remedy such weaknesses, the panel was set to recommend "a system where the UN delivers as one on all levels, whether country, regional or headquarters."
At the country level this "One UN" approach would mean appointing a single leader to co-ordinate and represent the work of all UN agencies as part of a single overall budget.
Such an approach would hopefully reduce duplication and ensure better performance, as well helping host governments reach its own priorities more effectively.
"These reforms will ensure national ownership of the development process and challenge donor countries to provide funding based on developing countries' own priorities," they wrote.
The panel, set up on the request of Annan, was also to recommend multi-year financing of country programs, as well as more appropriate management and financial mechanisms including a complete overhaul of UN business practices.
The panel will suggest that the "One UN" approach be tested on a pilot basis in five countries in 2007, with a progressive unifying of all UN country programs by 2012.