The October edition of Blue Smoke provides an comprehensive analysis of racial disparities within UN leadership roles, spotlighting the recently launched policy brief Uncovering Blind Spots: Racial Equality and Representation in the UN System, a collaboration between Blue Smoke and Plataforma CIPÓ.
The report reveals troubling data on the lack of racial diversity across 10 key UN bodies, including the fact that 65% of senior leaders appointed since 2007 are white. This edition underscores the need for transparent data and effective inclusion policies to address these systemic inequalities within the organization.
Another highlight is the appointment of British diplomat Thomas Fletcher as the new head of OCHA (the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). The decision, continuing the British monopoly over the role, has sparked controversy and reaction from experts, particularly following the recent commitment to the Pact for the Future, which condemns national monopolies in senior UN positions. Blue Smoke explores the implications of this appointment and examines the need for changes in recruitment processes to ensure greater diversity and transparency.
Blue Smoke, an initiative spearheaded by UNA-UK, Plataforma CIPÓ, and a consultant from Strategy for Humanity, aims to enhance accountability and transparency within the United Nations, particularly concerning elections and senior appointments. This monthly newsletter is published in collaboration with Pass Blue.
