Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Harness UK's global convenor status to engage like-minded states in conflict resolution.
Recommendation
The UK Government should be more confident in its role at the UN, harnessing its status as a global convenor, and drawing upon the UK’s diplomatic expertise to engage like-minded states in resolving conflict in cases where it is not possible to reach agreement at the United Nations Security Council. The Government should leverage its alliances and influence in its continued collaborative efforts to work with European countries, the Commonwealth, NATO and the US, to actively build creative and fresh blocs and coalitions to advance the agenda of conflict resolution. Within these organisations, the UK should prove its value by exercising leadership in line with international law and accountability and link these efforts to its agenda at the United Nations Security Council. (Recommendation, Paragraph 47) 46
Government Response Summary
The government confirms it is a leading advocate for UN reform and has a dedicated Management Reform and Finance team for budgetary issues. It outlines its roadmap for UN80 reform, focused on building support for greater impact, enhanced coherence, stronger partnerships, and better value for money, with specific objectives to improve country-level impact, rationalize structures, and facilitate greater join-up.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
25. HMG is a well-respected and leading advocate of UN reform and greater efficiencies, positioned well to support and shape the UN80 process. It is in our national interest to ensure UK priorities are reflected on a budgetary level within the UN, which is why HMG has a dedicated Management Reform and Finance team within the Mission to the UN. The UK also co-chairs the ‘Geneva Group,’ a caucus group of major contributors to UN budgets, including various international organizations and programmes, which discuss and at times develop common positions on budgetary issues. A UK diplomat also serves as a member on the UN’s Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). 26. HMG’s roadmap for UN80 is focussed on building support for our overarching objectives to deliver greater impact, enhanced coherence, stronger partnerships and, fundamentally, better value for money across the UN system. Specific objectives are to: improve impact and operational coherence of UN activity at the country level; rationalise UN structures; and facilitate greater join-up with operational actors. We will continue to support the UN Secretary-General in his drive for UN80 reform.