151.      The Charter of the United Nations and the constituent instruments of the specialized agencies and other UN organizations stem from a basic quest for multilateral cooperation and from fundamental principles of international solidarity that have stood the test of time. The Millennium Declaration reinforces these principles and provides the basis for a renewed unity of purpose and a new common platform for action across the UN system. While the functions and activities of individual UN system organizations relate in varying degrees to the Millennium Declaration, each organization is committed to doing its part to make the system as a whole a more cohesive and effective agent in upholding the Declaration’s values and in advancing its objectives.

152.      This report shows how the Millennium Declaration already is transforming the way the UN system works. Under the aegis of the Chief Executives Board (CEB), the UN system has made substantial progress in reinforcing commonalities to be better equipped to help the international community address global challenges and in fostering a culture of excellence and integrity. Nonetheless, much more needs to be done for the UN system to evolve into “One United Nations”—the cohesive force for progress and change that current conditions require and that Member States have demanded in putting forward the Millennium Declaration.

153.      What would characterize “One United Nations”? Although not the only multilateral player, One United Nations could serve as a unique agent and catalyst of progress, applying its varied strengths to a common purpose. It would both support and build on regional and bilateral cooperation. It would engage in concerted effort with all actors—State and non-State—to advance synergies. Its constituent organizations would together have the ability to attract sustained political support, to formulate coherent policies and to translate those policies into coherent programmes and operations that yield concrete results. It would derive direction from a common set of goals and hold itself accountable for better results. The overall result of One United Nations, so defined, would be an international environment more conducive to progress and real change in the conditions and quality of life of peoples throughout the world.

154.      Achieving One United Nations will require of the UN system specific changes in policy and in practice. The requisite changes are, in fact, similar to those that citizens increasingly demand of their governments—and can be organized into three categories:

•       deepening understanding and better managing knowledge;

•       achieving an inclusive, purposeful mobilization of all resources and capacities; and

•       increasing transparency and accountability.