Reforming the United Nations

The context in which the United Nations operates is one of change and reorientation: change in the political climate, resulting in changes in the tasks the organisation is called upon to undertake; reorientation of the organisation's internal structures and procedures in response to these changes. The principal goals and objectives of the United Nations have recently been reassessed. This reassessment - highlighted in the Reform Agenda of Secretary-General Kofi Annan and during the Millennium Summit - has led to a reaffirmation by the 189 Member States of their belief in the organisation. New forms of consensus and co-operation are developing regarding what the United Nations should be striving to achieve and how best it should be organised to improve its operations. The UN and Kofi Annan "e;were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their role in reforming the 56-year-old institution ..."e; (Herald Tribune, Honor Awarded to Annan and UN, October 13-14, 2001, p. 1). The Quiet Revolution is essentially about the reform efforts of Kofi Annan. The book therefore describes a major part of his activities leading to the award. "e;Dr. Joachim Muller presents a detailed review of the reform initiatives undertaken during the period from 1996 to 2000, which was of such importance for the evolution of the United Nations. A wealth of information from primary sources is provided, together with an informative analysis of the history of reform within the United Nations since its creation."e; - From the foreword by Jean-Pierre Halbwachs, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, United Nations Also by Joachim Muller: Reforming the United Nations: New Initiatives and Past Efforts, a three-volume set containing 50 key reform proposals originating inside and outside the United Nations.