UN80 Initiative: ‘An important new phase’ for UN reform efforts

On Thursday, Guterres told the General Assembly that reform was necessary because “Inaction in the face of geopolitical turmoil will increase human suffering.”

Launched in March 2025, the initiative aims to ensure that “every mandate, fund and decision” delivers greater impact for people and the planet, at a time of increasing demand and limited resources.

The UN Secretary General described the project as “a paradigm shift in the way the UN system organizes its work and collaborates to achieve greater impact,” and stated that the project has now entered an important new phase in its decision-making and implementation.

Work is already underway

A progress updates released on Tuesday highlights steps that have been taken to improve efficiency, reviews how mandates are implemented, and explores changes to the system’s internal structure, including the potential merger of several UN agencies.

Efforts to simplify operations within and outside the UN Secretariat – including steps to reduce duplication and improve coordination – are underway. These efforts are part of a broader push to modernize the way organizations operate.

The initiative also aims to simplify administrative processes and strengthen services across the UN system, with a focus on providing faster and more cost-effective support to Member States.

Strengthen mandate and accountability

Another important pillar of the reform effort centers on how mandates – tasks assigned by Member States – are designed, implemented and reviewed.

This report highlights ongoing collaboration with national governments to increase transparency, reduce reporting burdens, and align mandates with resources and outcomes.

With tens of thousands of mandates guiding the workings of the UN, this review process is intended to ensure they remain relevant, coherent and focused on delivering measurable results.

Member States are at the center of the next steps

Proposals for changes to the UN’s structure include closer alignment between departments and agencies, and stronger collaboration across entities concerned with peace and security, development and human rights.

This initiative has identified the need for reduced silos and a more integrated approach, as well as new tools such as shared data platforms and strengthened coordination mechanisms.

However, decisions regarding changes to the UN structure lie in the hands of member states, who will determine priorities and implementation.

Describing UN80 as a “work in progress,” the Secretary-General emphasized that continued engagement is the way to create a more coherent and effective UN system.

As this initiative continues to develop, it is hoped that the different elements will come together to form a unified framework that results in stronger and more coordinated action.