SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES REPORT ON UNITED NATIONS GOVERNANCE, OVERSIGHT

 

AS IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO STRENGTHENING, REVITALIZING ORGANIZATION

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the release of the report of the independent Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Review of Governance and Oversight within the United Nations system.  The request for this report was made by Heads of State and Government during the World Summit.

In thanking the independent Steering Committee, he noted that they provided an unprecedented level of experience and knowledge of governance and oversight from around the world, to fulfil the high demands of this assignment.

Strong management needs strong governance, and the report provides advice and recommendations to fulfil both.  The findings of the report are substantial, and its conclusions far-reaching.  It is stressed that this report will be an important contribution to the process to strengthen, revitalise and modernise the United Nations system as a whole, through detailed measures to apply the concepts and principles of accountability, oversight, ethical standards, fairness, responsibility and transparency.

The report is extensive, consisting of five volumes that set out almost 40 recommendations.  In addition, the Under Secretary-General for Oversight Services has already issued a separate report on the proposals pertaining to the strengthening of her Office.  All this material should now be examined and carefully considered, and appropriate decisions taken by Member States.

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For information media • not an official record