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So we are moving deliberately from diagnosis to “So we are moving deliberately
implementation, translating reform objectives
into concrete, system-wide actions across all from diagnosis to implementation,
pillars of the UN’s work. The bottom line is translating reform objectives into
increasing the impact of what we do for the
benefit of those we serve. concrete, system-wide actions

across all pillars of the un’s
You presented elements of this reform
process in Oslo some months ago. work.”
How do you see the role of Norway, given its
strong tradition in multilateralism, mediation,
and peace diplomacy, in supporting and
advancing United Nations reform efforts?
As the UN80 Initiative moves into
implementation, sustained engagement from
Member States remains essential. Ultimately mandates individually. Under UN80, Member
the key decisions lie with them. What has been States are examining the full mandate life cycle
really encouraging has been Norway’s support – from creation to implementation and review
and advocacy at the highest levels for UN80. – with a view to addressing systemic issues.
Its leadership – together with Mexico – of the By bringing these reform strands together
inter-regional dialogue and cooperation on the under a single framework, with clear actions,
Initiative has been particularly valuable. governance arrangements and transparency, the
UN80 initiative is designed to move decisively
Successive Secretaries-General have sought to from analysis to implementation and to support
reform the Organization. In your view, what more coherent, effective delivery across the
lessons can be drawn from previous reform United Nations.
initiatives, and what makes the current context
particularly conducive to meaningful progress? At a time when the United Nations is facing
The current context makes reform both necessary increasing scrutiny regarding its effectiveness
and unavoidable. Global needs are growing, and relevance, what are your main priorities
while between 2024 and 2026 overall resources to strengthen trust and confidence in the
across the UN system are projected to decline Organization, both among Member States and
by around 25 per cent. Against this backdrop, the wider public?
incremental adjustments are no longer sufficient Strengthening trust and confidence begins with
and standing still is not an option. Apart from delivery. In a constrained financial environment,
anything else, the UN of 2026 cannot be set up the United Nations must demonstrate that it is
on the basis of what the world looked like in delivering mandates more coherently, efficiently
1945 when it was established. and with clear value for money. Like others, we
will be judged by the results we generate.
At the same time, the UN80 Initiative does
not start from zero. It builds on reforms led by Under the UN80 Initiative, priorities include
the Secretary-General already undertaken in reducing duplication and overcoming
recent years, including management reform, the fragmentation in the system. We are
repositioning of the UN development system, strengthening shared services, improving
and efforts to strengthen digital, data and system-wide accountability for results, and
innovation capacities across the system. These better aligning mandates, resources and delivery
reforms laid important foundations, but today’s structures. Transparency is also essential. The
environment requires a more integrated, system- UN80 Action Plan and its public dashboard are
wide approach. designed to provide clear visibility on actions,
responsibilities and timelines as implementation
In shaping UN80, particular attention was paid to advances.
how previous reform efforts were structured and
what worked and what did not. For example, on Equally important is sustained dialogue with
mandates, earlier exercises focused on reviewing Member States and clear communication with

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