22 June 2009
"Strengthening system-wide coherence is particularly important at a time when all countries are grappling with the global economic and financial crisis and with major challenges such as food security, climate change and the Millennium Development Goals."
SG's Remarks to the General Assembly on UN System-Wide Coherence 22 June 2009
“Security Council reform is the most important aspect of the United Nations' institutional reform. I sincerely hope that Member States will make progress on this issue because, considering the tremendous, dramatic changes in the international political scene during the last 60 years, it is necessary that the Security Council be expanded in a manner that will be acceptable to the Member States. For my part, I will spare no effort to facilitate such consultations among Member States to enable Security Council reform.”
Ban’s interview to the Interfax News Agency.
4 February 2008
“The Deputy Secretary-General heads a task force on reform which I hope will formulate proposals for overcoming long-standing difficulties in human resources management.”
Ban’s remarks at signing ceremony for Senior Managers' Compacts.
11 January 2008
“In 2008, I will continue my efforts to put the UN on a new track so that it can better meet the daunting challenges ahead -- by moving forward with reform, by delivering more effectively on development, by taking action on climate change and on the other issues on the UN's agenda.”
Ban’s remarks at the Group of 77 Chairmanship Handover Ceremony.
10 January 2008
“And I will propose extending the UN role in the vital area of security sector reform… Member States must also advance their discussion of reforming the Security Council.”
Ban’s statement to Regional Groups of Member States
19 November 2007
“I call on you also to maintain your generous support for UNRWA's organizational development process, which is in tune with reforms to which I have given my personal support across the UN system… I am sure you will agree with me that all of us – hosts, donors, the United Nations as whole and, most importantly, the refugees – stand to gain from the success of UNRWA's management reforms.”
Ban’s message to UNRWA's Hosts and Donors Meeting
8 November 2007
“That is partly why I have pushed so hard for UN reform -- to make the UN faster, more effective, and more results-oriented. To make it more transparent, accountable, and efficient. To make a better UN that delivers on our most critical missions -- including development.”
Ban’s remarks at the High-Level Panel on "The Global Partnership for Development"
25 October 2007
“This is a year of immense opportunity - to build a tronger UN for a better world… We all understand the importance of a strong, empowered Secretariat - pragmatic, accountable, focused on results, representing pride and excellence in serving the global public good.”
“Together, we have already begun the difficult work of institutional strengthening and reform… Strengthening the UN's capacity to step in - to resolve conflicts earlier rather than later - is among the smartest investments we can make.”
“Reform is a process, not a one-time project. It needs your continuing support and mutual trust. As suggested by many Ambassadors, I will keep engaging myself with the general membership on the reform of DPA, DESA and other departments.”
Ban’s remarks to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly on the Proposed Programme Budget For the Biennium 2008-2009
28 September 2007
“Your support has been crucial to the important reforms that I have worked for since taking office… we must strengthen the capacities of the United Nations to meet all the challenges before us.”
“Earlier this year, the non-aligned countries backed my reform initiatives in the areas of peacekeeping and disarmament structures here at Headquarters. We must invest more in conflict prevention and mediation, so that disagreements both between and within states do not develop into violence or give rise to conflict.”
“I also count on your constructive involvement as the General Assembly continues its efforts to address other issues in need of collective re-thinking -- such as Security Council reform and the recommendations contained in the report of the High-level Panel on System-wide Coherence.”
“This is partly why I have pushed so hard for UN reform -- to make the UN faster, more mobile, more effective, more results-oriented. To be more transparent, accountable, efficient. This will help us to better deliver on our most critical missions -- including development.”
“Our aim is to ensure that this Organization can more effectively tackle the complex and inter-linked challenges of the 21st century – in peace and security, in development and in human rights. As we move forward in these efforts, I assure you that we will balance the momentum towards change with respect for inter-governmental procedures and deliberations.”
Ban’s remarks to the Annual Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Non-Aligned Movement
27 September 2007
“Indeed the important reforms that I have worked for since taking office could not have been brought about without your helping hand… We must make speedy and substantial progress towards governance reform in the international system… That is why I am committed to reforming the UN, including by enhancing system-wide coherence, so that the Organization can more effectively tackle the challenges of the 21st century.”
Ban’s remarks at the 31st Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 77 and China
25 September 2007
“I place a very high priority on implementing the management reforms you have previously approved to promote greater transparency, accountability and efficiency.”
Ban’s address to the General Assembly - A Stronger UN for a Better World.
25 September 2007
“The renovation of this building will take about seven years, according to approved General Assembly schedules. But I have a plan – part of reform again – to shorten it to maybe four to five years.”
Ban’s toast at State Dinner on the occasion of the General Debate
18 September 2007
“I also hope that the delegations gathered here will use this opportunity to rejoin their efforts in advancing the reform process at the United Nations, both in terms of management reform and institutional reform."
“Reform of the United Nations remains a top priority for me as well but it is not something the Secretary-General can do alone."
“Security Council reform is the most important part of the institutional reform of the United Nations. We have in fact made good progress in institutional reforms, like the Peacebuilding Commission or Human Rights Council… And, as the Secretary-General, I will spare no effort to facilitate such consultations among Member States to enable the Security Council reform. If I may speak as a matter of principle, considering the tremendous, dramatic changes in the international political scene during the last 60 years, it is necessary that the Security Council should be reformed and expanded in a manner which will be acceptable to the Member States.”
“The United Nations has also many challenges and problems in terms of reform and Secretariat management.”
Press conference
31 July 2007
“All of us in the UN are grateful for your personal contribution to our reform effort to create a more coherent United Nations in the 21st century -- a UN able to deliver as one in development, the environment and humanitarian affairs.”
Ban’s remarks at launch by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of a new initiative on the Millennium Development Goals
26 July 2007
“Since day one I have set up my reform goals as my top priority, which includes putting this house in order to make the Organization more efficient, more effective and more relevant in the twenty-first century.”
Ban’s address to the World Affairs Council of San Francisco
11 July 2007
“In this, we need dialogue and patience, resources and reform -- empowering us to serve the common good, equipping us to do what we do best, from peacekeeping to development, from humanitarian work to human rights.”
Ban’s address at the Royal Institute of International Affairs
6 July 2007
“ITU is very well advanced in terms of reforms, but as a UN organization we still need to overcome negative perceptions…We need to have a determined will to change positively.”
Ban on his visit to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
24 May 2007
“The role of the General Assembly is vital to our work. It is needed to implement the most essential reforms and adapt the Organization to the realities of the twenty-first century.”
“Dr. Kerim, allow me to assure you that you will have my full support and cooperation, both during this transition period and throughout your tenure. We will need to work closely together to complete the reforms under way and to address the challenges ahead.”
Ban’s Statement on the election of His Excellency Dr. Srgjan Kerim as President of the 62nd Session of the General-Assembly
7 May 2007
“Second, I am determined to reform the United Nations… Reform also means improving management and strengthening accountability and transparency.” Ban’s message to the B'nai B'rith International Annual Mission to the United Nations
16 April 2007
“As we continue our efforts to reform and revitalize the United Nations, one of our abiding priorities must be to alleviate poverty.”
Ban’s views on the report of the High-level Panel on UN System-Wide Coherence (A/61/836)Ban’s Message to the 21st Session of the Governing Council of UN-HABITAT
16 April 2007
“In exploring a way forward for inter-governmental review, I am convinced we need to place the Panel's recommendations firmly within the context of the wider UN reform agenda… I profoundly agree with the Panel's emphasis on efficiency, transparency and accountability. These are at the heart of Member States' demands for UN reform, and form a cornerstone of my own priorities for the Organization.”
“The proposals constitute an important starting point, but they require further deliberation and discussion to develop full ownership of a common vision. This applies particularly to the proposals for strengthening ECOSOC. We should bear in mind the reform process ECOSOC has already undergone, and the need to follow it through.”
Ban’s presentation to the General Assembly of report on the recommendations contained in the report of the High-level panel on System-wide Coherence
03 April 2007
“I am pleased to signal my broad support for the principle of a stronger, more coherent United Nations and for the recommendations contained in the report.”
Ban’s views on the report of the High-level Panel on UN System-Wide Coherence (A/61/836)
29 March 2007
“But already I can say our intention is to keep implementing those proposals that build on existing inter-governmental processes and reform initiatives. Examples of these include the ongoing consultative process in the General Assembly on UN environmental activities; the reform UN business practices in the areas of human resources, common services and evaluation procedures; and the voluntary “One UN” pilot programmes recently launched by UNDP to unify UN operations in 8 countries… On these and other issues, leaders across the UN system are willing to embrace change and drive the reforms forward.”
Ban’s message to Regional High-level Consultation on UN System-Wide Coherence
15 March 2007
“Now, we can embark on a reform initiative with one voice – a collaboration based on mutual trust,”
Ban’s statement to the General Assembly on the adoption of resolutions on the work of the Secretariat in Peace Operations and Disarmament.
20 February 2007
“Security sector reform is a relatively new term for many of us… For the United Nations, security sector reform aims to achieve effective, accountable and sustainable security institutions that operate under a framework of the rule of law and respect for human rights… In this way, security sector reform embraces values and principles that lie at the core of the United Nations…”
“The practical involvement of the United Nations in security sector reform has been shaped by decades of peacekeeping in post-conflict environments… These early frameworks help lay the groundwork for sustainable security reform.”
“I am heartened that the Security Council has taken note of these lessons. Increasingly, peacekeeping mandates reflect the perspectives of security sector reform.”
Ban’s remarks to the Security Council debate on the role of the Security Council in supporting Security Sector Reform
2 February 2007
“I am strongly committed to ensuring that the United Nations helps the international community make the transition to sustainable development. The UN Environment Programme -- our focal point on this issue -- has embarked on wide-ranging reforms to ensure it is equal to this challenge.”
Ban’s video message to the "Citizens of the Earth: The Paris Conference for Global Ecological Governance,"
16 January 2007
“I also understand that the United Nations during the last 60 years has not changed much. Therefore my reform agenda, in a nutshell, is to change the culture of the United Nations… I'll take care of all the reforms on my part as Secretary-General.”
“As far as reform matters are concerned there is no limit. We will continue to proceed with these reforms. There are two areas of reforms, managerial reforms and institutional reforms. When it comes to institutional reforms, I think the United Nations last year has done major efforts in creating a Peacebuilding Commission and Human Rights Council. The most sensitive and most controversial and most difficult issue is reform of the Security Council.”
“Of course I will continue to rely on wisdoms of many distinguished people around the world in carrying out, not only reform measures, but also carrying out all policy matters including regional issues.”
Ban’s Address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Q&A
10 January 2007
“And I'd like to thank the Foreign Minister of South Africa, for kindly recognizing my reform agenda, including the appointment of very qualified women who have joined my team… I am confident that the new Chair of the G77 and China will work with me – a new Secretary-General – to implement existing initiatives, and to push for further reform and strengthening of the UN System…”
“I am determined to work with the Group of 77 and China to make these reforms work and maintain the momentum, including further efforts towards system-wide coherence. After all, a stronger, renewed United Nations, while important for all Member States, remains most important for the people of the developing world. That is why I look especially to you as we build the structures worthy of a twenty-first century Organization.”
“I know that ECOSOC reform holds particular significance for your Group.”
Ban’s remarks at the Group of 77 Chairmanship handover ceremony
8 January 2007
“This Council has acted on the reform agenda, in areas ranging from the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission to strengthening working methods, while also acting on counter-terrorism and sanctions.”
Ban’s remarks at the Security Council meeting on Threats to International Peace and Security
14 December 2006
“…it is necessary, every member state will agree that there needs to be an expansion and reform in the Security Council.”
Ban’s statement on Security Council reform on the day he took oath of office
13 October 2006
“Let us remember that reform is not to please others, but because we value what this Organization stands for. We need reform because we believe in the future. To revitalize our common endeavour is to renew our faith not only in the UN’s programmes and purposes but also in each other. We should demand more of ourselves as well as of our organization.”
Ban's remarks on efforts to reform the UN - on the day of his appointment as Secretary-General
