by Irene Martinetti
4 June 2007

The Center for UN Reform interviewed Assistant Secretary-General Carolyn McAskie, head of the Peacebuilding Support Office, on the work of the Peacebuilding Commission, the UN’s new advisory body on peacebuilding, which has been in operation now for almost a year. The interview offers an assessment of the efforts of the Commission and its Support Office to date, and an overview of some of the challenges lying ahead.

During the past two weeks, Fifth Committee delegates reportedly continued discussions on the Reform of the Oversight and Governance systems of the UN. A draft resolution establishing the Indepedent Audit Advisory Committee (IAAC) and deciding the modalities for the strengthening of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is currently under negotiation. Member States also discussed the Financial Situation of the UN.

On 23 May 2007, the Peacebuilding Commission held an informal meeting to discuss “Provisional Guidelines for the Participation of Civil Society in Meetings of the Peacebuilding Commission.” These provisions would allow and encourage the involvement of civil society and non-governmental organizations in the PBC’s formal and informal meetings.

During the second resumed session, the Fifth Committee’s main focus is on peacekeeping budgets, but a number of outstanding reform proposals have also been placed on the agenda. In regard to Governance and Oversight, the Fifth Committee is expected to finalize the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee (IAAC) and establish the nomination and selection procedures for its members.

7 May 2007