Towards an Accountability System in the United Nations Secretariat

Transcription

1 Towards an Accountability System in the United Nations Secretariat Neeta Tolani Director Office of the Under-Secretary Secretary-General for Management

2 Background A/RES/48/218 the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to submit a report at its 49 th session on the establishment of a transparent and effective system of accountability and responsibility. A/C.5/49/1 Report of the Secretary- General on the establishment of a transparent and effective system of accountability and responsibility, 5 August 1994

3 Background (contd.) A/51/950 Report of the Secretary- General on Renewing the United Nations: A programme for reform (based on premise that increased authority and responsibility must be accompanied by increased accountability), October 1997 A/55/270 Report of the Secretary- General on accountability and responsibility, 3 August 2000

4 Background (contd.) A/RES/59/272, 23 December 2004, requested the Secretary-General to submit annually to the General Assembly a report addressing the measures implemented with the aim of strengthening accountability in the Secretariat and the results achieved

5 Background (contd.) A/60/312 Report of the Secretary- General on measures to strengthen accountability at the United Nations, 30 August 2005 Outlined existing mechanisms of accountability and oversight Proposed three pillars: accountability, transparency and ethics

6 Background (contd.) Proposals in this report included: Establishment of Ethics Office Incorporation of ethics into training programmes Whistleblower protection policy Financial Disclosure Programme Senior Managers Compacts Protection against harassment in the workplace

7 Background (condt( condt.) Proposals also included: Clearly defined performance expectations Strengthening of oversight mechanisms Annual reporting on action taken by the Secretary-General in disciplinary cases Action against sexual exploitation and abuse

8 Background (contd.) A/RES/60/ World Summit Outcome document requested SG to submit an independent external evaluation of the auditing and oversight system of the UN, including its specialized agencies A/RES/60/254 Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations

9 Background (contd.) A/RES/60/260 Investing in the United Nations: for a stronger Organization worldwide A/60/860 and Add. 1 JIU report on oversight lacunae in the United Nations system A/60/846/Add. 6 and 7 Investing in the United Nations: accountability and terms of reference for the Independent Audit Advisory Committee

10 Background (contd.) A/60/903 and 909 Reports of the ACABQ on Investing in the United Nations A/60/883 and addenda Report of the Secretary-General on a comprehensive review of governance and oversight within the United Nations, and its Funds, Programmes and Specialized Agencies

11 Background (contd.) A/61/605 Report of the ACABQ on a comprehensive review of governance and oversight within the United Nations, and its Funds, Programmes and Specialized Agencies A/61/546 Report of the Secretary- General on accountability measures, 27 October 2006

12 Background (contd.) A/RES/61/245 requested the SG to submit reports on: Enterprise risk management and internal control framework Results-based management Accountability framework

13 Background (contd.) A/62/701 and Add.1 Report of the Secretary-General (three-in in-one report) Three pillars: Performance Compliance and Oversight Integrity

14 Background (contd.) A/63/457 Report of the ACABQ on the three-in in-one report A/RES/63/276, adopted on 7 April 2009, requested the Secretary- General to prepare a comprehensive report, which would include the following elements:

15 Background (contd.) Elements to be included in the new accountability report, as specified in A/RES/63/276: Clear definition of accountability Access of Member States to information on results achieved and resources used Timely implementation of recommendations of oversight bodies Personal and institutional accountability

16 Background (contd.) Elements to be included in the new accountability report, as specified in A/RES/63/276: Transparency in the selection of senior managers Reform of the performance appraisal system Delegation of authority Results-based management framework

17 Background (contd.) Elements to be included in the new accountability report, as specified in A/RES/63/276: Results-based management information system Plan and road-map for implementation of enterprise risk management and internal control framework Strengthening of accountability mechanisms

18 THE WAY FORWARD

19 The United Nations Charter Defines the main objectives of the organization Establishes its principal organs Puts the General Assembly at the core of the Organization

20 Establishes that the Secretary-General is the Chief Administrative Officer Entrusts the Secretary-General with the UN mandates for their implementation

21 Organizational Structure

22 The core of the report The covenant with Member States The Strategic Framework The Programme Budget The obligation to deliver results

23 Six components I. Definition of Accountability II. III. IV. The Covenant with Member States Delivering Results & Performance Internal Systems and Controls V. Ethical Standards and Integrity VI. The Oversight Roles and Functions

24 Proposed Structure Oversight Roles and Functions Ethical Standards/Integrity Internal Systems Delegation of Authority Oversight Roles and Functions Internal Controls Regulations and Rules The Covenants Strategic Framework Programme Budgets Delivering Results & Performance: Internal Controls Administrative Issuances Oversight Roles and Functions Internal Systems Risk Management Ethical Standards/Integrity Oversight Roles and Functions

25 Definitions of accountability include Achieving results in compliance with regulations, rules and standards Fair and accurate reporting on performance The Organization and individuals held responsible for their decisions and actions A clearly specified and enforced system of rewards and sanctions

26 The report will outline What is in place to obtain results subject to certain principles, regulations and rules Proposals for improving the existing systems and structures The specific requests expressed by Member States in GA resolution 63/276

27 Challenges Ahead A broad consultation process with All Departments of the United Nations Other UN agencies, Funds and Programmes Member States Oversight bodies and Other subsidiary bodies and Committees of the GA (ACABQ, Fifth Committee)

28 Topics for discussion Elements embedded in the definition of accountability Achieving results in compliance with regulations, rules and standards Fair and accurate reporting on performance Responsibility for their decisions and actions A clearly specified and enforced system of rewards and sanctions What else would you like to see in the definition?

29 Rewards and Sanctions: What types of rewards and sanctions would you like to see? Reporting Results: Done every biennium through the Programme Performance Report What else would you like to see in the PPR? Financial Information? An annual PPR?