United Nations Reform

On 31 May 2018, the General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution “Repositioning of the United Nations development system in the context of the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system”. The landmark resolution contains measures to enhance the capacity of the United Nations Development System (UNDS) to better support countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) and provides guidance to the Secretary-General and the UNDS on their implementation.

Key elements of the UN Reform:

  • A new generation of UN Country Teams (UNCTs) and UN Development Nations Assistance Framework (UNDAFs).
  • A reinvigorated Resident Coordinators (RCs) system with enhanced capacity, leadership, accountability and impartiality.
  • Common business service and back offices functions.
  • A revamped UNDS regional approach to better support work on the field.
  • Enhanced transparency and accountability of system-wide results and stronger capacities for system-wide evaluations.
  • A system-wide approach to partnerships for the 2030 Agenda.
  • A Funding compact to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.
  • A system-wide strategic document to accelerate the system’s alignment to the 2030 Agenda.
The ILO Governing Body discussed the implications, opportunities and challenges of the reform initiative for the ILO at its 329th, 332nd, 334th and 335th sessions. In November 2018, the Governing Body, welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution of May 2018 and the active engagement of the Office and in March 2019, the Governing Body requested the Director-General to strengthen leadership in promoting the value of tripartism and the role of social partners in the implementation of the resolution. ​

To learn more about the Reform visit the UN Reform website.

ILO documents

341st Session, March 2021
  1. Update on the United Nations Reform
340th Session, October 2020
  1. Update on the United Nations reform (For information only)
338th Session, March 2020

The Governing Body was to discuss the matter at it 338th session in March 2020, but the session did not take place in view of the restrictions to meetings and travel in place since early March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

  1. Update on the United Nations reform
335th Session, March 2019
  1. Update on the United Nations reform
  2. Decision concerning the update on the United Nations reform
334th Session, October 2018
  1. Update on the United Nations reform
  2. Decision concerning the update on the United Nations reform
332nd Session, March 2018
  1. Reform of the United Nations: Implications for the ILO
  2. Report of the Working Party on the Social Dimension of Globalization
229th Session, March 2017
  1. The ILO and the United Nations Development System
  2. Decision on the seventh item on the agenda: The ILO and the United Nations Development System

UN Policy  documents

2020
  1. Implementation of General Assembly resolution 71/243 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system. Report of the Secretary-General, 30 April 2020
  2. Implementation of General Assembly resolution 71/243 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system (QCPR): Funding analysis. Report of the Secretary-General, 4 May 2020
  3. Development Coordination Office, Report of the Chair to the UNSDG, 24 April 2020
2019
  1. Implementation of General Assembly resolution 71/243 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system. ​​​Report of the Secretary-General, 15 April 2019
2018
  1. Repositioning of the United Nations development system in the context of the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system.
2017
  1. Repositioning the United Nations development system to deliver on the 2030 Agenda: Our promise for dignity, prosperity and peace on a healthy planet, Report of the Secretary-General, 21 December
  2. Operational activities for development of the United Nations system, General Assembly Resolution, 20 December
  3. Shifting the management paradigm in the United Nations: ensuring a better future for all, Report of the Secretary-General, 27 September
  4. Repositioning the United Nations development system to deliver on the 2030 Agenda: Ensuring a better future for all, Report of the Secretary-General, 11 July
2016
  1. Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nation system.