UN development policy: Multilateralism under new conditions
The global landscape for UN development work is undergoing profound changes, with shifts in economic and political power structures. Emerging powers such as China are gaining significant influence, the Global South is asserting itself more confidently, and global crises demand new approaches to development. Against this backdrop, this research and advisory project examines both the UN development system as an institution and global political context in which it operates. It also identifies recommendations for shaping the cooperation between the UN and Germany, as a key contributor to the organisation and proponent of multilateralism.
Financing:
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Time frame:
2025 - 2028
/
ongoing
Project description
The following questions guide the project's research and policy advice:
Effectiveness and performance of the UN system: How do dominant financing mechanisms of the UN affect its effectiveness, efficiency, and multilateral role? How can institutional arrangements and complementary bilateral approaches contribute to more coherence of UN development efforts? How can the UN position itself in middle- and high-income countries while addressing global challenges through its operational work and upholding its normative functions?
Multilateralism in times of geopolitical change: How do emerging powers, such as the BRICS, and actors from the Global South influence the agenda and structures of UN development policy? How can successful North-South partnerships be strengthened and developed further in the UN? What role does the UN play in shifting geopolitical power dynamics and how can it adapt to these changes while maintaining its relevance and independence?