The United Nations (UN) is facing a severe liquidity crisis, and as part of the proposed restructuring, there is now a move to streamline and modernize the organization. The 193-member General Assembly (GA), the UN’s highest policy-making body, has long been criticized for its accumulation of outdated and lengthy resolutions, which have been lying in cold storage for decades. However, with the current reform efforts, there is hope that the GA will finally be able to shed its image as a bureaucratic and inefficient body and become a more effective and relevant platform for global decision-making.
The General Assembly was established in 1945 as a forum for all UN member states to come together and discuss pressing global issues. Over the years, it has adopted hundreds of resolutions on a wide range of topics, from peace and security to economic development and human rights. However, many of these resolutions are no longer relevant or have been superseded by newer ones. This has resulted in a cluttered and confusing system, making it challenging for member states to keep track of and implement these resolutions effectively.
Furthermore, the excessive length and complexity of these resolutions have been a source of frustration for many member states. In the past, debates in the GA have dragged on for weeks or even months, as representatives wade through lengthy documents and engage in repetitive discussions. This not only hinders the decision-making process but also wastes valuable time and resources. As a result, the GA has often been criticized for being slow, bureaucratic, and out of touch with the realities of the world.
To address these challenges, there have been repeated calls for the GA to streamline its working methods and reduce the number and length of its resolutions. In 2017, the then President of the General Assembly, Miroslav Lajčák, launched an initiative to revitalize the GA and make it more relevant and effective. The initiative, known as the ‘Revitalization of the General Assembly,’ aims to modernize the working methods of the GA and make it more efficient, transparent, and accountable.
As part of this initiative, the GA has adopted several measures to streamline its working methods and reduce the number of resolutions. For example, resolutions are now categorized into three types: substantive, procedural, and programmatic. This has helped to differentiate between resolutions that are binding and those that are not, thus enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of the GA’s work. Additionally, a limit has been set on the number of co-sponsors for resolutions, to prevent excessive duplication of efforts and resources.
Moreover, to reduce the length of resolutions, the GA has introduced the use of concise and focused language. The ‘standard format’ for resolutions has been revised, with a focus on brevity and clarity. This not only makes resolutions easier to read and understand but also saves time and resources.
But perhaps the most significant step taken by the GA to modernize its working methods is the introduction of ‘omnibus resolutions.’ These resolutions aim to consolidate and update older resolutions on similar topics into a single document. This not only reduces the number of resolutions but also makes them more relevant and up-to-date. This practice aligns with the UN’s overall goal of simplifying and modernizing its processes to become a more effective and efficient organization.
Furthermore, as part of the ongoing repositioning of the UN development system, the GA has also reduced the number of resolutions related to development, combining them into a single omnibus resolution. This will help to streamline the development agenda and focus on key priorities, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The efforts of the GA to streamline and modernize its working methods have already shown positive results. In 2018, the GA adopted 279 resolutions, a significant decrease from the 501 adopted in 2017. This reduction is a clear indication that the GA is moving in the right direction and that its efforts to streamline its work are bearing fruit.
In conclusion, the ongoing reform efforts to streamline and modernize the UN, particularly the General Assembly, are a step in the right direction. By reducing the number and length of resolutions and introducing more concise and focused language, the GA is becoming more efficient, transparent, and relevant. These changes will not only help the GA to function more effectively but also enhance the UN’s overall ability to address global challenges. As the GA continues to evolve and adapt, it will undoubtedly become a more effective and dynamic platform for global decision-making, making the world
