Yukio Takasu, the newly appointed U.N. undersecretary general for management, says he will engage in a wide range of reforms at the organization, including the introduction of a more integrated and flexible approach to human resources.
The former ambassador to the United Nations said in an interview Friday that it is necessary "to avoid sectionalism" to effectively tackle increasingly complex international issues despite funding reductions brought on by the developed countries' economic problems.
Referring to the actions of the United States in broad issues, including conflict resolution involving Syria, Sudan and South Sudan, as well as environmental issues to be discussed at the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro next month, Takasu, 65, said the United Nations "has not yet adequately responded" to these issues. He said he will "undertake necessary reform to increase (the U.N.'s) capacity to respond" to its duties.