Reform of International Institutions
Towards a Commonwealth Agenda
Published on 1. January 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
86 pages
978-0-85092-897-6 (ISBN)
Description
In today's world, responses to global challenges can only be achieved by collective debate and action. A coordinated response is required to achieve satisfactory and sustainable outcomes, however, international institutions are no longer placed to support an adequate response to these challenges: they are structurally outdated and in urgent need of reform. This timely and relevant book examines three sets of major international institutions: the UN, the World Bank and IMF, and institutions concerned with international environmental governance. The contributors, all experts in international policy, argue that current global concerns have outgrown the existing system and an effective response requires serious multilateral co-operation. International institutions must become more efficient and inclusive of emerging economies and smaller states in order to become relevant and effective. Reform of international institutions is essential for future economic stability and sustainable development. There must be bold steps towards real change. By highlighting the issues and offering recommendations for next steps this book aims to push debate in order to accelerate reform.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 165 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-85092-897-6 (9780850928976)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Simon Maxwell is Director of the Overseas Development Institute, ODI, London. W Bradnee Chambers is Senior Programme Officer at the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies. Ngaire Woods is Professor of International Political Economy, Director of the Global Economic Governance Programme, University College, Oxford University.
Content
1. Introduction by Jonathan Ockenden Background Why international institutions matter Why reform? The Commonwealth initiative Next steps 2. A Commonwealth Initiative to Support UN Reform by Simon Maxwell Summary Core questions Transnational issues for the twenty-first century International collective action Priorities for the UN An assessment of UN capacity Agendas for change Progress in achieving change Accelerating reform What else should be on the agenda? Implementation issues and next steps Annex 2.1. Summary of Recommendations of the 2004 High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change Annex 2.2. The Peacebuilding Commission Annex 2.3. Current official development assistance and future projections 3. The Reform of International Environment Governance: An Agenda for the Commonwealth by W Bradnee Chambers Summary Introduction Challenges in international environmental governance Current reform processes and country positions Options for a Commonwealth agenda on IEG reform Conclusion Annex 3.1. Recent Developments in International Environmental Governance Reform 4. A Commonwealth Initiative to Support Reform of the IMF and the World Bank by Ngaire Woods The urgency of reform: why now? Listening beyond Washington DC What needs to be done? A Commonwealth strategy: three reform agendas A checklist for Commonwealth governments Appendix. Marlborough House Statement on the Reform of International Institutions References