Secretary General Kofi Annan's Reform Agenda 1997 to 2006
2003
For A Safer World, Working Together (December 27, 2003)
In November 2003, Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan established the UN High Level Panel on Global Security Threats, Challenges and Change. In this Manila Times article Annan describes the tasks assigned to the panel and subsequent recommendations for strengthening the UN.
UN Reform: 1997-2003 (November 2003)
Prior to the war in Iraq, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's reform efforts, also known as the "quiet revolution," aimed at building greater coordination among UN agencies. Since the beginning of the war, Annan radically changed his approach, calling for structural reform and an entire reconsideration of the UN's role. Whether this "enthusiastic rhetoric" will become action or not depends on the overall political environment. (Oversees Development Institute)
2002
General Assembly Begins Discussion of Annan's Agenda for Further UN Reform (October 30, 2002)
The General Assembly discusses the Secretary General's UN reform agenda. Kofi Annan aims to make the UN "more efficient and effective." (UN News)
Proposed UN Reform Worries Geneva Diplomats (October 25, 2002)
The latest of Kofi Annan's proposed reforms would centralize UN public information offices. Some NGOs and diplomats believe this move would stifle the free flow of information and hinder the UN's ability to protect human rights. (The News)
Secretary General Unveils Latest Reform Package (October 8, 2002)
Responding to Secretary General Kofi Annan's proposals to reduce the number of UN meetings and printed reports, NGOs charged that by allowing UN staff to chose which conferences would be held, poor nations' concerns would fall short. NGOs added that by making reports only available electronically the UN would deny people in developing nations access to information. (Final Call)
Kofi Annan Calls for Reform (September 24, 2002)
In his reform proposals Secretary General Kofi Annan prescribes streamlining various departments and simplifying labyrinthine procedures. Warning against "summit fatigue" Annan advocated for reducing the number of UN meetings and more planning ahead of conferences. (Associated Press)
2000
Annan Seeks Debate on UN Future in 'Millennium Report' (April 4, 2000)
Article from the Washington Post discusses Kofi Annan's major proposals for UN reform with emphasis on the need for changes in the Security Council's use of sanctions as well as a need for closer collaboration between the UN and the private sector to assist the developing world.
Annan Calls for Modernization of the UN (April 4, 2000)
The Secretary General of the UN implies his organization is slow and inefficient and calls for modernization including internet advice for third world doctors. (Washington Post)
1998
Secretary General Speaks Out on Continuing Reforms and Sanctions and Stability (1998)
In a speech to the United Nations Association Kofi Annan reaffirms his hopes for the future strength of the UN and responds to questions about financing and reform. (Earth Times)
1997
"Mr. Annan's Proposals" (July 1997)
Editorial commenting on the Secretary General's July reform proposals. See also a New York Times editorial that appeared on the same day. (Washington Post)
Default Is in Ourselves (July 1997)
Article commenting on the Secretary General's July reform proposals and the negative response in the US Congress. (The Nation Magazine)
New UN Secretary Annan Announces Personnel Cuts (March 18, 1997)
The Washington Post argues that by proposing to cut the UN's staff and budget, Secretary General Kofi Annan gives way to reform demands by US Republican Conservatives, who control the US congress. Legislative leaders pressured Annan by saying that without cost-cutting reforms congress would block the vote to pay the US dues and arrears to the UN.
Comments on the New Secretary General (February 1, 1997)
Michael Gurstein, a Canadian University Professor, comments on the challenges ahead for Secretary General Kofi Annan, most imminently the UN financial crisis which may hinder any reform agenda Annan hopes to pass. Other problems include the lack of morale of UN staff members and the global problems facing the UN. Gurstein believes Annan will prove a "better manager" than former Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
Red Carpet But no Greenbacks, Secretary General in Washington (January 1997)
This US Information Agency press summary gives reactionss from world newspapers on Secretary General Kofi Annan's trip to Washington D.C. Germany notes Annan will be busy trying "not to appear as Washington's puppet," but Russia warns that a lack of US support for the UN would be "ruinous to America's image." Nigerian newspapers call for permanent members of the Security Council to support Annan in making the UN more "relevant."
A Critical Assessment of the Secretary-General's "Track Two" Reform Program (1997)
This page comments on the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's "Track Two" reform initiatives announced on July 16, 1997. It was prepared by Jeffrey Laurenti.
A UNA-USA Assessment of the "Track One" Initiatives (1997)
This page was prepared by UNA-USA's Executive Director for Policy Studies, Jeffrey Laurenti, in response to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's new reform initiatives announced on March 17, 1997.
