Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization (A/64/1(SUPP)) 4 August 2009 Summary by ReformtheUN.org

Chapter I: Introduction The changes and shifts of the "new millennium" have "linked people's fates together in ways we could only have imagined when the United Nations was created 64 years ago." The shared crisis of climate change, economic downturn, and health (H1N1 pandemic) is "the ultimate multilateralism moment," which will require a "multilateral effort of immense magnitude," and which calls for a new approach. In the proposed new era of global cooperation, strengthening human rights and development initiatives is of particular importance. To address all of these challenges, there is a need for overall revitalization of the UN, so that it becomes "the hub of new multilateralism."

Chapter II: Delivering Results for People Most in Need Development and Global Economic Crisis Developing nations' plight is of great concern. While the world's developed nations have become distracted by internal economic struggles, the developing world is under threat of being left behind and forgotten in a crisis not of their making. Member States should increase their participation in and support for the Millennium Development Goals. Gender equality and women's rights and empowerment are especially vulnerable in the economic downturn. Also under threat are health concerns, including child and maternal mortality, and the status of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria treatment and prevention. To counteract the effects of environmental and other crises on the developing world, and specifically to "track the impact of global crises on the poor and most vulnerable people," a Global Impact and Vulnerability Alert System is planned. Africa's developing nation requires additional attention to their development needs (including economic and peace and security needs). Peace and Security "Preventive diplomacy and support to peace processes" are important, as well as the essential duties of peacekeeping. Organizational reforms in the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support are under way, though "much work still remains to ensure that the UN can meet evolving demands." Further reforms are called for in the realm of UN peacekeeping, including the extension of leadership to a "wider international community," and the need to "strengthen national capacity." Humanitarian Affairs Though the status of humanitarian assistance has improved, there are new challenges to humanitarian work, including access problems, unsafe operating environments and "decreasing

respect for the basic humanitarian principles of humanity, independence, impartiality and neutrality." Human Rights Violations of human rights are still a global problem. The situation of migrants in trying economic times, faced with xenophobia and discrimination is an area of increased concern. The Human Rights Council has "put additional emphasis on national implementation by creating a review mechanism with broad participation." Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect Preventing and responding to genocide require systemic processes. Strengthened outreach programs from the Security Council have been begun in the past year, as along with general awareness initiatives. On the Responsibility to Protect, a report was issued (A/63/677), which inspired a general debate. Continued debate and deliberation is necessary. Democracy and Good Governance Election monitoring, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development efforts were successful areas of growth in the 63rd Session. They require continued development and assistance in the current session. The UN Democracy Fund is a democracy-promoting body in need of continued support.

Chapter III: Securing Global Goods Climate Change The crisis is the "defining challenge of our generation," requiring "global solidarity." The UN has a crucial role as a venue for global cooperation and debate on climate change. Climate change is a "moral imperative ­ and an economic opportunity." Global Heath The influenza A(H1N1) outbreak is a wake-up-call to the world in terms of global health. Countering Terrorism The work of the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and its corresponding Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy has been furthered in the past year, and currently, eight working groups address the following issues: "(a) integrated assistance for countering terrorism; (b) preventing and resolving conflicts; (c) supporting and highlighting victims of terrorism; (d) preventing and responding to weapons of mass destruction attacks; (e) tackling the financing of terrorism; (f) countering the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes; (g) strengthening the protection of vulnerable targets; and (h) protecting human rights while countering terrorism." National, regional and grass-roots level participation and implementation are especially important. Disarmament and non-proliferation The UN reaffirms its dedication to non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, "combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons," as well as the eradication of landmines.

Chapter IV: Creating a Stronger UN The Secretariat Reform initiatives include: a "strategic workforce planning initiative" (to attract a more talented, upwardly mobile staff), as well as a simplification of employment contracts. The Enterprise Resource Planning project (Umoja, or UN administrative reform initiative/ERP) will reorganize the Secretariat and peacekeeping operations, alongside a general revamping and streamlining of the Secretariat (which includes management reforms). In addition, the Secretariat will become more transparent, as performance reviews of the previous year's work will be published and assessed. Intergovernmental Machinery Review processes are already in place. The Security Council and ECOSOC are to be streamlined and reviewed in much the same manner as the Secretariat. Emphasis is on communication between these bodies and the rest of the UN system (especially the General Assembly). System-wide Coherence System-wide coherence and gender reforms warrant support. Cooperation with regional organizations Strengthening the relationship and communication between the UN and other groupings (African Union, League of Arab States, Organization of the Islamic Conference, League of Arab States, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Pacific Islands Forum, and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) is a "high priority." Topics for increased communication include development, peacekeeping, and conflict mediation and prevention. Strengthening Partnerships with Civil Society Media is an important element in the work of the UN, as a means of communicating the work of the UN to millions of "viewers and listeners around the world," and to engage "world public opinion, public organizations and civil society groups to help shape public attitudes and expand support for multilateralism." Regarding the UN's connection with institutions of higher learning, a new initiative called Academic Impact is meant to engage civil society and enrich the relationship between these institutions and the UN. Engaging the business community in the work of the UN is an important enterprise. The business community has great potential to contribute to the "intergovernmental discussion on the Millennium Development Goals and food sustainability."