Conclusion: Integration Going Forward

This article broadly and briefly considers how the integration agenda can advance, given the setbacks and obstacles apparent in initial attempts at integration. It advocates a shift in how integration reforms and rhetoric are managed and recommends that, at least over the immediate period, integration reforms and decision-making authority be vested as much as possible at field level. It also notes the key role of member states in helping to facilitate greater UN system-wide integration through their participation in UN governing bodies, efforts to promote greater accountability within the UN system and for UN activities, attempts to ensure the passage of robust yet achievable mandates that are underpinned by political processes, and timely and flexible provision of funding.