Secretary-General Launches his UN80 Initiative

8th April 2025

The more the UN does together to address big challenges around the world, the less the burden on individual countries to do it alone.

“The UN has never been more needed.

Our values have never been more relevant. 

And the needs have never been greater.” 

As the United Nations marks 80 years of working on behalf of people all over the world, Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the Organization’s invaluable role as the essential one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights.

“The more the UN does together to address big challenges around the world, the less the burden on individual countries to do it alone,” stressed the Secretary-General.

“It is essential that an organizational system as complex and crucial as the United Nations subjects itself to rigorous and regular scrutiny to assess its fitness for purpose in carrying out its goals efficiently,” he continued, outlining the ambitious reform agenda he undertook from the outset of his mandate.

➡️To be more effective and cost-effective. 

➡️To simplify procedures and decentralize decisions. 

➡️To enhance transparency and accountability. 

➡️To shift capacities to areas such as data and digital.

Stressing the need to build an even strong and more effective United Nations that delivers for people and is tuned to the 21st century, the Secretary-General continued:

“Our 80th anniversary year is a prime moment to expand all our efforts, recognizing the need for even greater urgency and ambition. That's why I am launching the UN80 initiative to present to member countries proposals in three areas:

First, rapidly identifying efficiencies and improvements in the way we work.

Second, thoroughly reviewing the implementation of all mandates, which have significantly increased in recent years.

Third, a strategic review of deeper, more structural changes and programme realignment in the UN System.”

“We must ensure value for money while advancing shared values,” said the Secretary-General, stressing that every effort must be made to better-serve the people whose lives depend on the United Nations."

The text above is adapted from the Secretary-General's remarks to the press launching his UN80 initiative. You can read his full remarks here.

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