UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM REGIONAL REFORM
The reform of the UN Development System has been central to building a more coherent, effective, and accountable multilateral system. The regional dimension will determine how effectively the UN adapts to today’s global challenges and optimizes the use of its assets to support member states in achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Cepei’s support to the United Nations: A three-phase approach
Cepei partnered with the UN to deliver research, analysis, and actionable recommendations that guided the regional reform process, helping shape a clear vision, compelling narrative, and actionable mechanisms for transformative UN action.
Internal review: Cepei chaired the interdisciplinary experts team that carried out research in all five regions where the UN does its work, interviewed and engaged with over 1.000 experts, and provided recommendations to the UN leadership and Internal Review Team on ways to streamline and maximize the impact of its regional assets. Our findings directly informed the Secretary-General’s report (A/74/73) to member states.
Member states mandate: We produced analytical work to support countries in understanding the reform agenda and engage proactively in shaping it. Cepei’s work emphasized practical pathways for collaboration, efficiency, and stronger accountability.
Roll-Out: We continued to assess how the reform was being implemented across regions. We delivered a second round of reports focusing on stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and improving the interoperability of UN data assets.
Production of analytical documents
Our research combined interviews, multi-stakeholder dialogues, and quantitative and qualitative analysis to ensure diverse perspectives and actionable insights. We produced rigorous, evidence-based documents that informed and supported the regional reform process. These include:
In their words
“To accelerate progress against these priorities, we have asked for an independent stocktaking and recommendations from the think tank CEPEI, which has accompanied the regional review process, as we continue to roll out our ambitious objectives for the regions. For too long, regional entities of the United Nations were left outside of reforms and efforts to enhance the coherence of the United Nations development system. In many instances, the work of the regional level has also resided outside of system-wide reporting efforts, leading to an accountability gap or turning success stories largely invisible. We are in the process of changing this reality, with more impact and transparency in the way we deploy our regional assets.”
Report of the Secretary-General A/74/73 -E/2019/4, par.105, 24 April 2020
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