UN faces shake-up with 1,000 jobs to go
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sweeping reforms of the United Nations, including big cuts in its budget and staff, will be announced tomorrow by its new Secretary General, Kofi Annan.
One thousand jobs are planned to go next year, and its budget is to be cut by $123m (pounds 77m) over the next two years. Administrative costs will have to be slashed by a third over the next four years and the amount of paperwork is to be cut by a quarter. Layers of management are to be reduced.
All staff will have to adhere to a new code of conduct requiring "the highest standards of efficiency, competence, independence and integrity". UN agencies will have to work together more closely to avoid duplication, and will be encouraged to use common offices and facilities in the field.
Mr Annan has moved remarkably fast, within three months of taking office, to initiate change in the slow-moving institution, but tomorrow's announcement is just the first step in a wholesale streamlining and reorganisation of the UN. He will pledge tomorrow: "Reform is a process, not an event."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments