The United Nations is considering significant reforms to address inefficiencies, overlaps, and cost overruns as it faces funding challenges, particularly due to cuts from the United States. An internal memo outlines proposals for a major overhaul, including consolidating various U.N. bodies into a single Peace and Security entity and restructuring humanitarian efforts. These changes are part of a broader initiative called UN80, launched by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, aimed at ensuring responsible use of member state contributions. The memo highlights geopolitical shifts and reductions in foreign aid budgets as challenges to the U.N.'s legitimacy and effectiveness. Proposed reforms also include adapting to new technologies, altering internal culture, and refining operational and financial structures.

The United Nations is circulating proposals for comprehensive reform to address inefficiencies and cost overruns, prompted by a critical funding crunch and cuts from major donors like the United States.

An internal memo suggests consolidating U.N. operations into larger entities, such as merging peacekeeping, drugs and crime, development assistance, and special advisory bodies into a unified Peace and Security organization.

The reform initiative, UN80, was launched by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and is part of efforts to ensure that U.N. operations are financially responsible and effective in achieving their humanitarian goals.

Proposals include restructuring U.N. peace and security efforts to be more regionally focused and decentralized, potentially bringing operations closer to affected areas.

A single humanitarian entity is proposed, aiming to streamline efforts by combining the aid coordinator, refugee agency, and migration agency, while leveraging the World Food Program's expertise.

The memo notes geopolitical changes and reductions in foreign aid as factors challenging the U.N.'s effectiveness, suggesting the need for reform to maintain its legitimacy.

Reforms also encompass adapting to new technologies like artificial intelligence, changing internal culture, and restructuring how meetings, budgets, and future organizations are managed.