Envisioning Reform: Enhancing UN Accountability in the 21st Century

Edited by Sumihiro Kuyama and Michael Fowler

Envisioning Reform: Enhancing UN Accountability in the 21st Century
Edited by Sumihiro Kuyama and Michael Fowler

ISBN: 978-92-808-1170-4
348 pages; paper; US$36.00
September 2009

The term accountability is increasingly heard at the United Nations. More than six decades after the organization’s founding, people continue to ask exactly how the UN is accountable for what it does, and many agree that enhanced UN accountability is a prerequisite to effective global governance. Nevertheless, the concept is elusive and rarely defined, and views have diverged on its proper meaning and various implications. The contributors to this volume identify key issues, raise pertinent questions, and suggest useful reforms regarding accountability in the context of the United Nations system.

Sumihiro Kuyama is Visiting Professor at the United Nations University.

Michael Fowler is Professor of Political Science at the University of Louisville.

Introduction
Making the United Nations accountable: Managerial and political perspectives

Part I: General analysis of accountability in the UN context

Bringing the different United Nations to account
Conceptual analysis of accountability: The structure of accountability in the process of responsibility
Legitimacy and accountability of the United Nations
Accountability of the United Nations from the perspective of international law

Part II: Managerial accountability

Managerial accountability and the UN system
UN management reform as a basis for enhancing accountability
A ladder of accountability: Analysis of subconcepts of managerial accountability in the United Nations

Part III: Political accountability

Enhancing the political accountability of the United Nations via multi-stakeholder synergy
Democratic accountability in UN field operations

Part IV: Case studies of accountability

Accountability and NPM reforms in the European Union: Implications for UN reform
Improving accountability and legitimacy in the European Union
The World Bank Inspection Panel: Participation and accountability
Improving accountability at the Asian Development Bank

Part V: Conclusion