Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 23rd April. UN chief António Guterres on Monday emphasized the need for a “strengthened and updated” UN to better reach and support people around the world.
Mr. Guterres said that after multifaceted crises from conflicts to climate, and poverty and inequality, the world looks to the UN “to help deliver the better, safer and greener world we need.”
“But we cannot solve 21st century problems with 20th century tools we need a UN 2.0,” he stressed, in a message at the opening of the UN 2.0 week.
UN 2.0 is focused on fostering cutting-edge capabilities in data, digital solutions, innovation, foresight and behavioural science to deliver stronger results and help countries accelerate efforts to achieve SDGs.
Mr. Guterres vision is elaborated in a policy brief launched last September.
He emphasized the need for a “forward-thinking culture” at the Organization, powered by rapid technological advances.
SG added that this was important given the fundamental changes proposed in Our Common Agenda, his vision for global cooperation and getting the SDGs back on track and the Summit of the Future will be convened on 22-23 September in New York.
“We’re already seeing what is possible: From online resources for remote schools, to humanitarian aid based on real-time data, and technology that helps countries forecast and build resilience to disasters,” he said.
“Ultimately, UN 2.0 will make us better partners for countries as they achieve results for their people.”
Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed explained that UN 2.0 is the Organization’s response to how “we will pivot and meet the world where it is at and where it needs to go”.
“Thinking about what that means for investing in our staff, but also attending to many of the ‘quintet of change’ issues,” she added, noting the five topics data, digital solutions, innovation, foresight and behavioural science.
She expressed hope that the transformations will make the UN more fit for purpose.
“That we can actually get out there and raise the ambitions, and be more responsive for the needs,” she added.
UN 2.0 Week taking place from 22 to 26 April showcased a series of virtual events including panel discussions and best practice sharing dialogues.
Over 40 speakers from across the UN system and partner organizations are slated to speak.
Comments are closed.