Paul Volcker’s Call for UN Reform

Paul Volcker has issued an important call for UN reform in the introduction to a new book on the Oil-for-Food scandal. In the just published book, Good Intentions Corrupted edited by Jeffrey Meyer and Mark Califano, Volcker outlines his conclusions regarding the need for reform at the United Nations. Some of these recommendations have been reported before, but the book provides greater detail on the UN scandal and the need for reform.

Volcker, who chaired the independent committee investigating the oil-for-food scandal, has set forth specific suggestions for reform. He argues that the UN founders had in mind the clear need for an administrative staff to arrange appropriate facilities, to support meetings of the General Assembly and Security Council, to carry out their decisions, and to maintain liaison with other agencies. But Volcker maintains that the Secretary-General will almost inevitably be called upon to temper administrative decisions by political and negotiating considerations. In essence, Volcker is suggesting that the Secretary-General’s political functions undermine his administrative functions.

Volker argues that what we need is radical UN reform. Specifically, the United Nations needs a strong Independent Oversight Board to go beyond financial audits to a full review of the staffing and budgeting of accounting, auditing, and inspections services. Those responsible for these functions should have direct access to the Board and the Board should make conclusions and recommendations available to the General Assembly and as appropriate to the public.

Second, Volcker argues that there should be a Chief Operating Officer with clear responsibility for implementing administrative programs and procedures. While reporting to the Secretary-General on broad policy matters, the COO should have the authority conveyed by appointment by the General Assembly upon the recommendations of the Security Council and direct access to the General Assembly with respect to administrative practices.

Volcker concludes, “A broad consensus has developed among those familiar with what has happened that reform–thorough and complete reform–is necessary if the UN is to meet the responsibilities thrust upon it. That need is not new…. Now with the facts at hand, a new opportunity is here. That opportunity must not be missed–not missed in the interest of the United Nations and all the member states…, each of which shares in the common benefit of respected and enforceable international law and practice. Patience is limited. That time for action is now.”