The Regional Input for ‘Delivering as One’

The aim of this chapter1 is to explore the implications of the recommendations in the report of the High-Level Panel (HLP) on UN System-Wide Coherence (SWC report) insofar as they relate to regional structures, both UN and non-UN.2 The analytical and prescriptive content addresses both substantive issues (the nature of the shortcomings and recommendations advanced in the SWC report) and structural issues (the breadth of the institutions potentially affected). The chapter argues that, with due regard to the political sensitivities of the challenge, it is possible to engage in reform of the UN whereby greater consistency and coherence can be attained to streamline the operational partnership between the UN and regional organisations. To that end, it proposes that a standardised definition of ‘region’ be agreed and that a series of regions be identified based on the definition. The chapter also proposes that consideration be given to identifying certain natural ‘regional capitals’ in Africa, the Arab world, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. It focuses on the five themes derived from the report’s recommendations, assessing their merit and exploring how they might be implemented: