Speech by Malcolm Johnson, ITU Deputy Secretary-General

50th Anniversary of the Joint Inspection Unit - Panel discussion: Oversight in the Unites Nations system: challenges and opportunities for the JIU of the UN System

21 September 2016, Geneva, Switzerland

Mr. Chairman,
Mr. Vice Chairman,
Mr. Executive Secretary,
Excellencies,
Distinguished participants,

On behalf of the ITU, it is a pleasure for me to express my congratulations to the JIU on the 50th anniversary of its founding.  

I would like to acknowledge my deep appreciation to the Chairman of the Joint Inspection Unit, Mr. GOPINATHAN and the Vice Chairman Mr. TASAROV for their excellent work during their tenure. They were both instrumental in enhancing the excellent cooperation between the JIU and ITU, particularly during the 2016 JIU Review of Management and Administration in the ITU.  The review was very much welcomed by both the Secretary-General and the membership, and I believe it was an excellent example of a constructive and cooperative partnership for the JIU's oversight mandate, which seeks to improve the overall management framework of the UN system organizations and strengthen their internal processes.

As the sole independent, external oversight body of the UN system, mandated to conduct inspections, evaluations and investigations system-wide, the JIU has over the last 50 years provided valuable reports on systemic issues which are relevant and assist participating organizations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the respective secretariats.

It is acknowledged that many managerial improvements now considered to be a norm within the UN system can be traced to original JIU recommendations.  The success and impact of JIU's work is a shared responsibility of the Member States, the Unit and the Secretariats of the participating organizations, each has to contribute, especially with respect to the effective follow-up of the JIU's recommendations.

In the case of ITU, the JIU's report and recommendations presented a few months ago to the ITU Council, were very much welcomed and endorsed, and the Secretary-General made a commitment to implement all the recommendations, both formal and informal, within the timescales proposed. It was particularly appreciated that the JIU team paid special attention to consulting the diverse ITU membership, as well as the staff, recognising their right to provide guidance and suggestions on improvement to the ITU management.  Taking account of ITU's federal structure, the JIU made a series of recommendations to reinforce internal coordination with practical, action-orientated measures well-supported by the facts and analysis. In ITU, we do recognize the relevance of the subjects addressed by the JIU, in particular efficiency measures and financial and human resources management, and the need to pay greater attention to improving gender balance and geographical representation among the staff of the organization.

I would also like to commend the JIU's consultative process for the selection of relevant subjects for study, and encourage the Unit to continue its efforts to improve its analysis, recommendation capacity and assistance in identifying the best practices for the UN system organizations. 

In these times of extraordinary challenges, but also of great opportunities, ITU appreciates the JIU's efforts to continue improving its working methods especially in light of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this regard, we consider the JIU can have a significant role in ensuring a shared vision and common action, with greater coordination and cohesion between organizations, in order for the UN system to be fit for purpose and deliver in a most effective and efficient manner.    

To conclude, let me wish JIU a very happy 50th birthday and wish it every success in its key role to ensure the UN system constantly adapts to meet the future challenges with the most efficient common actions and best practices.

Thank you.