What are the main critiques of the UN in your country? How do you think the UN should address them? by UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development

Richard AMENYAH (Caribbean)

2023-04-04 03:27:22 UTC

The main critiques of the UN systems are that, some agencies are not willing to work jointly, there is too much focus on processes instead of results, limited implementation capacity (in some agencies), inadequate resources to implement large scale projects.

Through the UNRCO and the UNCT, agencies are agreeing to new ways of working including joint programming to achieve the SDGs, mobilize joint resources, being catalytic to demonstrate results which could be scaled up. Increasingly, there is refocus on high impact and transformative results. The UN is now harmonizing its communication strategy to ensure the works of the UN are well disseminated.

Marie - Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

2023-04-14 23:05:59 UTC

Similarly as in the case of Richard/Caribbean, the UN is seen as a complex structure with too many agencies competing for resources and visibility.
In the case of Guatemala, the UN established an anticorruption body (CICIG) which was brought down , shortly after, in 2019 by the President of the country, claiming it was engaged in corrupt practices. The closing of the CICIG is still negatively impacting the image of the UN in the country - perceived as mingling with corrupt officials.

Alberto A Stella - MCO Southern Cone Countries

2023-04-16 22:37:36 UTC

Not very different from what has already been expressed by colleagues. The UN is often perceived as a huge bureaucratic structure with agencies competing for position in the country and for access to resources. The reform is not always understood and is sometimes perceived as a gattopardesque change "everything changes so that nothing changes".
The repositioning of the UN with the UNSDF agreed with the State has been an important opportunity to reposition the system and make the principles and importance of the reform understood. A new, more coherent way of communicating has also allowed us to strengthen our positioning.
Gaps remain: sometimes, depending on the context, the UN finds it difficult to contribute to the debate on politically or socially sensitive issues, for example, sex work, diversity and gender in a broader conception that considers transgender identities or on issues of governance and corruption . These are delicate and highly sensitive issues, but they must necessarily be addressed by the United Nations and the reform is a context that can favor the important contribution of the UN in the countries on these issues.

Another challenge for the new generation of UNCTs is the agency culture that still prevails and sometimes makes it difficult to deliver together as a single system, this is also seen in the implementation of the BOS that often clashes with the individual systems of the AFPs. In any case, the reform makes it possible to address these challenges and be more effective in countries and globally as a benchmark for peace, development, human rights and planet conservation.

Criticism of UN and how to address- Martin Odiit, UCO Tanzania

2023-04-17 19:29:16 UTC

Criticism includes: Duplicated efforts;
Working in silos;
Poor information sharing;
Uncoordinated planning and resource mobilization;
These can be addressed by joint programming with improved coordination.

Eric Verschueren Benin Togo

2023-04-24 11:23:12 UTC

Some of the criticisms:

- Threat to national sovereignty push for globalized agenda, not always taking in account national priorities and choices

- Complicated administrative burden/bureaucratic

- Effectiveness

- Lack of accountability for transparent results

- No or little concrete (financial) contributions

- Duplication

Key Challenges of UN Operation in Malawi

2023-04-26 14:31:20 UTC

There are about 17 resident UN Agencies in Malawi who all contribute by supporting the government of Malawi in its efforts to attain the results and targets of the Agenda 2030.

The UN is recognized as a relevant, dependable , respected and predictable partner. Despite this some of the challenges, there is a need to improve coordination and delivering as one developing more joint initiatives and programmes. Another key Agencies have their own operational procedures and sometimes this make it difficult to reach consensus and efficiency.

YOW - Chad

2023-04-28 11:26:27 UTC

Main critiques:

- Not transparent on financial resources

- Efforts and interventions are scatted and fragmented (sprinkling).

- Flag strategy versus Delivering as one

Strategies to address critiques:

- More communication and consultation during the development process: we have more consultation during the development of the new UNSDCF 2024-2026

- Improve communication on UN interventions.

- Joint programming and joint mission

Eva Kiwango, South Africa

2023-05-01 19:11:02 UTC

Main critiques: Poor country knowledge of how to leverage or support the UN; Poor visibility of the UN as the ‘go-to’ for technical expertise and experience; thinking in silos and mandates and not speaking with one voice to accelerate progress in the context of the 2030 Agenda; weak coordination and inadequate information sharing among agencies; poor anticipation of upcoming threats; poor branding as “ONE UN” regardless whether they are UN-agency specific or joint UN programmes; previous paradigms around partnerships are not working because of 75-year-old laws and resolutions of the UN that do not facilitate new ways of engaging.

How to address the critiques: Finding and clearly articulating the value proposition of the UN; working more strategically with the Government; UN should consider its massive transformative purpose and adopt “futures thinking” in a structured and intentional way to spot opportunities and adapt faster; leverage the UN’s assets and draw on the experience and expertise of several agencies that could increase the visibility of the UN’s value proposition; identify 2-3 catalytic, policy or programming interventions to deliver joint transformative change; act in concert, sharing resources, expertise and capabilities to use technology to leapfrog development with a focus on sustainability and just transitions; use the UN convening power to bring together different partners and shape a common futuristic vision to overcome developmental challenges in a positive way; rethink the UN's partnerships, conduct due diligence, identify ‘legitimate entry points’ and support the establishment of new and transformative multi-stakeholder partnerships at all levels; review how UN policies and procedures could allow the building of disruptive and transformative partnerships; UN must be in touch with the media to showcase its work.

Roza Babayan, Armenia

2023-05-08 19:38:03 UTC

Main critiques: Diplomatic and political criticisms, such as the inability to prevent conflicts
Efforts and interventions are scattered and fragmented, not enough joint programs
Poor branding as "ONE UN".

Main critiques - Marc SABA

2023-05-10 08:31:41 UTC

The main critiques often expressed are the fragmentation of the U.N., the lack of synergy and focus which leads to weak impact of the U.N.
The lack of transparency and anticipation are also underlined by the government and other partners.

Hind Hassan - Rwanda

2023-05-12 10:28:24 UTC

Fragmentation. working in silos. Too much talk and very little action. Lack of transparency. Bureaucratic. Too many meetings and layers.

How to address this: One UN approach. Breaking the silos and working beyond individual agency mandates towards the SDGs. Joint Programming. Demonstrating Agency comparative advantage while working within the collective effort. Demonstrating value proposition and proof of concept.

Michel - Mozambique

2023-05-20 07:28:37 UTC

The main critic is we work in silos. Each agency is concerned about showing its flag. We still have those believing the size of the agency must give them some priority. To overcome this situation, we need to have more joint projects and act together in resolving the main challenges identified in the country.

Yuki (Pakistan & Afghanistan)

2023-05-20 13:01:25 UTC

For example: UN entities are working in silos, disjointed and each mobilizing funds for itself.
What can be done at country level? For example: Highlight successful examples of UN partners working together (e.g. Joint Programme/UNAIDS, outcome areas under UNSDCF that exemplify joint work) and inform necessary structural changes (e.g. governance, financial management, reporting) that would lead to UN Delivering as One at the country level.

Main critique of the UN in Cambodia

2023-06-03 15:12:26 UTC

The country is facing several human rights challenges, from fair elections, human trafficking, censorship, civic space, and freedom of the press. The UN is often criticized of not being bold enough in its messaging and advocacy against the human rights issues. This will require brave UNCT members to stand solidly together and uphold the values enshrined in the UN Charter. This requires a UNCT that clearly communicates these principles and values to partners, amplifies each other's messages on protecting human rights for all, and working together to ensure people have access services and support that uphold these rights.

Tharcisse / Zambia . Out of 23 UN agencies supporting Zambia only 12 Have Country Presence . as indicated by other colleagues Main Critics are : Bureaucracy with a lot of administrative procedures during the implementation of the programs , Competition between agencies, lack of Financial capacity, less visibility of UN work compared to bilateral /Cooperating partners. How UN could address them .In Zambia with in the UN reform , the new 2023-2027 UN sustainable Cooperation Framework has been developed collectively and is linked with Zambia development Plan . The implementation will be done through Joint Programmes supporting the 4 Pillars of the cooperation Framework . UNCT has agreed under the leadership of the reinvigorated RC to work as a team and speak with one Voice through the new UN communication strategy. To make UN visible , UN has started engagement with the medias , Young People , Civil society , Parliament to share the results supported by UN through the new Cooperation Framework . For better and collective resources mobilization , a UN Resources mobilization strategy is being developed. The UNCT has agreed to reach out together to the different cooperating Partners for resources mobilization based on the joint programmes . The UN together with Cooperating Partners and the Government has established a coordination platform with different working groups based on the different Pillars of the National Development partners which are linked with UN Cooperation Framework ones.

2023-06-19 10:08:44 UTC

Charos, Uzbekistan

2023-06-26 10:43:52 UTC

UN should work more on joint programmes, advocate more sensitive issues and promote enabling environment for civil society organizations. We should work more on inclusion and advocate for the principle No One Left Behind

Houssine, Morocco

2023-07-02 00:17:40 UTC

Common Criticisms of the UN:

Lack of efficiency and bureaucracy: The UN is often criticized for its slow and heavy bureaucracy which can make its work ineffective. For example, decision-making can be hindered by complex bureaucratic processes, which can make the organization slow to respond to crises.

Significant budget: The UN is sometimes perceived as budget-consuming, meaning it consumes a lot of financial resources. At times, the way it spends its funds is criticized, with accusations of inefficient use of resources or poorly managed budget allocations.

Power inequalities: The UN Security Council is composed of five permanent members (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) all of whom have veto rights. This can lead to power inequalities where these countries have a disproportionate influence on the UN's decisions, which is often criticized.

Non-intervention in crises: The UN is often criticized for its inability to prevent or adequately intervene in humanitarian crises or human rights violations. For example, criticisms can be made about the UN's inability to prevent the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

To address these criticisms, the UN could consider the following measures:

Simplify bureaucracy: This could involve modernizing and streamlining procedures to speed up decision-making and improve efficiency.

Improve budget management: Greater transparency and better resource management could help dispel criticisms regarding the inefficient use of funds.

Reform of the Security Council: This could mean modifying the veto right or expanding the number of permanent members to rebalance power.

Strengthen intervention in crises: The UN could seek to improve its ability to intervene quickly and effectively in humanitarian crises and human rights violations. This could involve developing better intervention strategies, strengthening coordination with NGOs and other humanitarian actors, and establishing clearer protocols for intervention.

Phils-Louie Ocampo

2023-07-17 08:20:46 UTC

UN meddling with the affairs of the country particularly in the context of alleged extrajudicial killings.

Hector-Ghana

2023-07-19 23:20:25 UTC

Some of the most frequent critiques to the UN system are:
- Big, disfunctionaland expensive bureaucracy
- Lack or poor accountability
- Limited coordination between the different UN entities and also between UN entities and other development partners
- Competition between UN entities
- Duplicated mandates in some of the UN entities
- The impact of UN actions "looks" small compared with thos funded by other donnors or development partners

Some mesures to adress these critiques are:
- Effective implementation of the UN reform trough functional and solid UNCTs and development of UNSDFC under participative and inclusive processess engaging cross-sector partners.
- Promoting Joint Planning and Programming between the different AFPs (especially those with comon or similar mandates)
- Review of the division of labor and mandates of the different UN entities.
-Strengthening capabilities of the ORC team.
- Communicating with impact our achievements using stories of the people and communities we serve to ensure impact.

Lassaad - Tunisia

2023-07-20 10:56:36 UTC

Not enough connected to people's needs and aspirations.

Lord - South Sudan

2023-07-23 06:30:56 UTC

Some critiques:

1. The UN creates conditions to perpetuate itself in the country.

2. the UN is seen a large, complex and expensive bureaucracy that lacks transparency.

3. competes among themselves for resources from donors in country.

4. has taken over the role of government in the management of resources meant for the country in some sectors.

How critiques are being (should be) addressed:
1. the UN needs to clearly articulate its value proposition in simple language and disseminate same through harmonised communication and interaction with relevant groups.

2. the UN is strengthening UN/Government collaboration at various levels to foster more transparent discussion of the UN’s work and value addition. This work is being undertaken through consultations at all levels of government and through joint sector working groups.

3. The UN is working more and more in joint programming and joint resource mobilisation.

4. The UN is also working with donors to build public sector institutions including through policy and legislation, public financial management strategies and other institutional reforms to ensure government institutions can manage public finances.

Fardad Doroudi UCD Iran

2023-08-06 11:01:53 UTC

Its heavy and slow bureaucracy, limited financial contributions, criticized by both sides : blamed for taking an government oriented approach from one side vis-a-vis blamed for taking "western" oriented approach to destabilize religious values from the other side.

UCD Brazil - Claudia

2023-08-08 18:18:42 UTC

The main criticisms of the UN system in Brazil:
- Lack of effectiveness and efficiency due to its internal bureaucracy, hierarchical systems.
- Lack of coordination and coherence among agencies leading often to duplication of efforts.
- Lack of funding to respond with impact and competition among agencies for resources and visibility.
- UN not able to implement to scale.
- Depending on the political leadership, blamed for promoting globalism.
The UN can demonstrate more cohesive action by approaching national counterparts through Joint Programmes and Partnerships which involves lead agencies and partner agencies for all work streams similar to the UNAIDS Joint Programme. UN should also seek to develop local joint funding mechanisms to facilitate implementation at country level. Currently mechanisms to transfer funds among and between agencies is still complex and slow. Management structures at country level should focus on these platforms from global, regional to country level. UN agencies should present as one voice supporting each agencies work.

Isaac, Sierra Leone

2023-09-14 18:05:25 UTC

Some UN Systemwide challenges that needs to be addressed include:
1) Lack of Transparency and Accountability: increasingly concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency and accountability particularly on sexual exploitation and abuse.
2) High level of bureaucracy and inefficiencies in UN operations in recruitments, contracting, business operations and service delivery.
3) High level of competition for resources and "flagship" among Agencies
4) Increased competitiveness of INGO with improved capacity, better compensation and delivery of services
5) Geo-political priorities and dwindling investments for the development sector has led to significant reduction in international aid.

To address these challenges the UNSDCF, new CCA and MAP promotes joint programmes, actions and funding opportunities. The introduction of BOS will ensure efficiencies in UN operations. Opportunities for private sector engagement and funding compacts provides new opportunities for raising funds for the UN.

Botswana

2024-03-15 07:17:03 UTC

Main criticism is

Inefficient
Slow and not fit for purpose
Conservative
Inward looking and risk averting
Too much aligned with Government

They need to be addressed by redesigning the way Un is structured, have better accountability mechanism and hire staff that are not afraid of speaking up