Development and the United Nations: Achievements and Challenges for the Future

Abstract

This articleexploresthe role of the UnitedNationsin developmentin the contextof boththecurrentcritiquesof theUN andthefailureof the2005 NewYorksummitto reach agreementon a programof reform.While the work of its specialist agencies presentsthe most visible face of the UN's contributionto global development,the UN, throughits effortsto influenceinternationaldebateson developmentpolicy,in particularas the convenorof internationalconferences,also plays a key intellectual leadershiprole in rethinkingapproachesto development.This paperarguesthatin spiteof thejustifiablecriticismof manyaspectsof the UN agencies, on balancethe UN has played a positive role in promotingdevelopmentand has been an alternative voice to the major internationalpowers. Futurereform should ensure that the UN can continue to make this contribution