Rwanda has called for United Nations reforms grounded in evidence, consultation, and accountability, while preserving the specialized mandates of UN agencies and strengthening their impact at country level. ALSO READ: The UN should reform if it is to serve all nations equally The call was made on June 5 by Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb Martin Ngoga, during the 2026 Joint Meeting of the Executive Boards of UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS, UNICEF, UN Women, and WFP held in New York. Today, Amb. @martin_ngoga participated in the 2026 Joint Meeting of the Executive Boards of #UNDP/#UNFPA/#UNOPS, #UNICEF, #UNWomen and #WFP. In his intervention, the Ambassador emphasized that meaningful @UN reform should be guided by evidence, consultation, and accountability,... pic.twitter.com/l2ttWoCjv9 — Permanent Mission of Rwanda to The United Nations (@RwandaUN) June 5, 2026 Speaking during discussions on the UN80 Initiative under the theme “UN80: System-wide Perspectives and Strategic Considerations,” Ngoga said the ongoing reform process presents an opportunity not merely to restructure the UN system, but to enhance its ability to deliver tangible results for people around the world. The UN80 Initiative is a reform effort aimed at improving how the UN system works in response to today’s global challenges. “System-wide coherence is an important objective. However, coherence should not be equated with uniformity,” he said, noting that the comparative advantages, specialized mandates, and governance structures of different UN entities have been built over decades to address diverse global challenges. He stressed that reform efforts should focus on improving complementarity and coordination among agencies, rather than pursuing consolidation for its own sake. According to Rwanda, the success of the UN80 Initiative will depend on three key principles: evidence, consultation, and accountability. Ngoga welcomed the analysis, information-sharing, and consultations already undertaken as part of the reform process, emphasizing the need for continued engagement of Member States and Executive Boards, particularly when proposals could affect mandates, operational arrangements, or oversight functions. He further noted that any significant reform proposals should be accompanied by clear assessments of their expected impact, costs, risks, and implications at the country level, to support informed and transparent decision-making. “At the same time, Rwanda believes the process has now reached a stage where decision-making must increasingly come into focus,” he said, urging member states to take timely and informed decisions guided by available evidence and a shared responsibility for the future effectiveness of the United Nations. Drawing from Rwanda’s development experience, Ngoga said sustainable progress is achieved when international support aligns with national priorities, strengthens local institutions, and enables countries to lead their own development pathways. “This principle should remain central to any reform effort and should guide efforts to improve coherence and effectiveness across the UN system,” he said. Looking ahead, Rwanda expressed hope that the UN80 Initiative will contribute to a more agile, coordinated, and accountable United Nations that remains responsive to evolving global challenges while maintaining the trust and confidence of member states. “Above all, the outcome should ensure that the UN remains fit for purpose and capable of delivering greater impact for those it serves.”
