VII. Concluding observations

140. The review that Member States are about to engage in offers them a potentially historic opportunity to ensure that the United Nations is in a position to respond effectively to the needs of today's world. While it is up to Member States to set the pace of this exercise, I believe this report can help them to proceed with it in two phases. In the first phase, they could examine those issues for which problems are clearly identifiable and decisions can be made in the short term. This report indicates some concrete actions for correcting problems on which immediate decisions can be taken. While some of these may seem obvious, they can ensure a significant step forward in improving the work of the Organization.

141. Issues for decision in the second phase could be those for which clear answers are not immediately apparent, and for which a longer, more in-depth process may be needed. These may include those issues which require consideration of the division of labour between intergovernmental organs, the current institutional architecture of the United Nations system, and resource allocation. While intergovernmental processes have already been initiated that can look at the various mandates in some issue areas, on my part I will continue to support the work of Member States in reviewing mandates in all areas that deserve consideration. In addition, the High-level Panel on System-wide Coherence will contribute with proposals on how to improve the delivery system of the Organization. Decisions made by Member States in the longer term may lead to the fundamental changes that are necessary for a coordinated United Nations which can effectively address their present, as opposed to past, priorities.

141. Issues for decision in the second phase could be those for which clear answers are not immediately apparent, and for which a longer, more in-depth process may be needed. These may include those issues which require consideration of the division of labour between intergovernmental organs, the current institutional architecture of the United Nations system, and resource allocation. While intergovernmental processes have already been initiated that can look at the various mandates in some issue areas, on my part I will continue to support the work of Member States in reviewing mandates in all areas that deserve consideration. In addition, the High-level Panel on System-wide Coherence will contribute with proposals on how to improve the delivery system of the Organization. Decisions made by Member States in the longer term may lead to the fundamental changes that are necessary for a coordinated United Nations which can effectively address their present, as opposed to past, priorities.

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