Reform of International Institutions

Towards a Commonwealth Agenda

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978-1-84859-029-8
Paperback: £30.00
978-0-85092-897-6

Reform of International Institutions
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Series Title: Economic Paper Series
Publication date: 1 January 2009
Size: 240mm x 165mm
ISBN: 978-0-85092-897-6
Pages: 86

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institutions are no longer placed to support an adequate response to these challenges: they are structurally outdated and in urgent need of reform.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.



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ContentsExpand or collapse me

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

About the contributors Expand or collapse me

W Bradnee Chambers (Author)

W Bradnee Chambers is Senior Programme Officer at the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies

Simon Maxwell (Author)

Simon Maxwell is Director of the Overseas Development Institute, ODI, London.

Jonathan Ockenden (Author)

Jonathan Ockenden is Adviser & Head, International Finance & Capital Markets Section, Economic Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat, London.

Ngaire Woods (Author)

Ngaire Woods is Professor of International Political Economy, Director of the Global Economic Governance Programme, University College, Oxford University.