Katja @ReformWorks
@reformworks.bsky.social
Managing Director @ReformWorks, aiming to disrupt how we manage international organizations and find new paths to effective performance.
The SG just quietly dropped the UN80 Action Plan. Will it lead to real reform?
This month’s ReformWorks spotlight breaks it down: what’s strong, what’s missing, and what research on past reforms tells us.
👉 See how the Plan measures up
This month’s ReformWorks spotlight breaks it down: what’s strong, what’s missing, and what research on past reforms tells us.
👉 See how the Plan measures up
Assessing the Ability of the UN80 Action Plan to Effect Real Change
9 November 2025By Katja HemmerichOn Friday, 7 November, the UN Secretary-General (SG) published the UN80 Action Plan. The Action Plan aims to enhance transparency and accountability by outlining…
www.reformworks.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The SG just quietly dropped the UN80 Action Plan. Will it lead to real reform?
This month’s ReformWorks spotlight breaks it down: what’s strong, what’s missing, and what research on past reforms tells us.
👉 See how the Plan measures up
This month’s ReformWorks spotlight breaks it down: what’s strong, what’s missing, and what research on past reforms tells us.
👉 See how the Plan measures up
Think the UN's #FifthCommittee is just admin? Think again. ISHR’s new study shows how budget politics shape real impact in the #UN system. buff.ly/vKEFo19
Follow ReformWorks to stay up to date on these challenges and how to manage them.
Follow ReformWorks to stay up to date on these challenges and how to manage them.
Report: How States try to defund human rights at the UN
See press release here. In its new report ‘Budget battles at the UN: How States try to defund human rights’, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) reveals how a small group of States are…
ishr.ch
November 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Think the UN's #FifthCommittee is just admin? Think again. ISHR’s new study shows how budget politics shape real impact in the #UN system. buff.ly/vKEFo19
Follow ReformWorks to stay up to date on these challenges and how to manage them.
Follow ReformWorks to stay up to date on these challenges and how to manage them.
When is the consolidation of #UN administrative services an effective reform? At ReformWorks, we've checked out the evidence....
www.reformworks.org/post/will-sh...
www.reformworks.org/post/will-sh...
October 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM
When is the consolidation of #UN administrative services an effective reform? At ReformWorks, we've checked out the evidence....
www.reformworks.org/post/will-sh...
www.reformworks.org/post/will-sh...
🇩🇪 AfD calls for more #transparency in Germany’s contributions to int'l orgs.
But Germany already has an aid portal—and the 🇺🇳 UNCEB tracks donor funding by year.
So why the disconnect? Our spotlight explores how foreign ministries and int'l orgs must rethink comms.
buff.ly/J8B2Hu9
#UNReform
But Germany already has an aid portal—and the 🇺🇳 UNCEB tracks donor funding by year.
So why the disconnect? Our spotlight explores how foreign ministries and int'l orgs must rethink comms.
buff.ly/J8B2Hu9
#UNReform
UN Transparency: ReformWorks Explores the UN's Trust and Data Challenge
Explore the UN's transparency challenge and why current transparency reforms have not achieved the trust the UN needs, and what it should do differently.
www.reformworks.org
October 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM
🇩🇪 AfD calls for more #transparency in Germany’s contributions to int'l orgs.
But Germany already has an aid portal—and the 🇺🇳 UNCEB tracks donor funding by year.
So why the disconnect? Our spotlight explores how foreign ministries and int'l orgs must rethink comms.
buff.ly/J8B2Hu9
#UNReform
But Germany already has an aid portal—and the 🇺🇳 UNCEB tracks donor funding by year.
So why the disconnect? Our spotlight explores how foreign ministries and int'l orgs must rethink comms.
buff.ly/J8B2Hu9
#UNReform
🧭 As the #UNGA’s #FifthCommittee kicks into high gear, I'm resharing the popular ReformWorks Quick Guide for UN managers on how to engage effectively.
📌 If you’re presenting or responding to written questions for the first time, this Guide is your go-to resource.
📌 If you’re presenting or responding to written questions for the first time, this Guide is your go-to resource.
'UN Fifth Committee Quick Reference Guide for Engaging Effectively'
1 October 2023By Katja HemmerichTips to make the process less painful and yield the results you want with the UN Fifth Committee quick reference guide.This week, the UN General Assembly’s Fifth…
www.reformworks.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:56 PM
🧭 As the #UNGA’s #FifthCommittee kicks into high gear, I'm resharing the popular ReformWorks Quick Guide for UN managers on how to engage effectively.
📌 If you’re presenting or responding to written questions for the first time, this Guide is your go-to resource.
📌 If you’re presenting or responding to written questions for the first time, this Guide is your go-to resource.
Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks
This morning on @cnn.com with @camanpour.bsky.social, I said: The world would in no way be better off without the UN. And I stand by that. Because we truly are #BetterTogether
#UN80
www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/T...
#UN80
www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/T...
World would be in no way better off without the UN, new UNGA president says | CNN
President of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbok speaks with Christiane Amanpour about the multitude of challenges facing the UN as it marks its 80th anniversary.
www.cnn.com
September 18, 2025 at 11:07 PM
This morning on @cnn.com with @camanpour.bsky.social, I said: The world would in no way be better off without the UN. And I stand by that. Because we truly are #BetterTogether
#UN80
www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/T...
#UN80
www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/T...
The #UN’s revised budget for 2026 leans hard on #sharedservices to fix its financial crisis. But will these #UN80 efficiencies really work?
ReformWorks looks at what worked before—and what’s missing now.
ReformWorks looks at what worked before—and what’s missing now.
Will Shared Services Really Fix the UN’s Problems?
12 October 2025By Katja HemmerichAs the UN Secretariat issued its revised 2026 programme and budget (A/80/400) this month, we are starting to see how Workstream 1 of the UN80 is evolving. The key…
www.reformworks.org
October 13, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The #UN’s revised budget for 2026 leans hard on #sharedservices to fix its financial crisis. But will these #UN80 efficiencies really work?
ReformWorks looks at what worked before—and what’s missing now.
ReformWorks looks at what worked before—and what’s missing now.
✨ On Monday, I discussed the risks & opportunities of #innovation in intergovernmental organizations at the #COE. Participants validated what research on #UN innovation has shown - process innovations offer a low risk, high benefit starting point, aligned with member states’ push for efficiency.
October 3, 2025 at 2:12 PM
✨ On Monday, I discussed the risks & opportunities of #innovation in intergovernmental organizations at the #COE. Participants validated what research on #UN innovation has shown - process innovations offer a low risk, high benefit starting point, aligned with member states’ push for efficiency.
⌛ Just days left to share your views on power dynamics in the #UN #development system!
@Cepei and partners are studying how influence and power works to inform #UN80 reforms for more transparent & inclusive decision‑making. Please take the survey by this Friday 3 Oct!
👉
@Cepei and partners are studying how influence and power works to inform #UN80 reforms for more transparent & inclusive decision‑making. Please take the survey by this Friday 3 Oct!
👉
Survey on Power and Influence in the UN system
We are pleased to invite you to participate in a survey (10–15 minutes) that forms part of a research initiative led by Cepei and its partners on mapping power and influence within the UN System with…
docs.google.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
⌛ Just days left to share your views on power dynamics in the #UN #development system!
@Cepei and partners are studying how influence and power works to inform #UN80 reforms for more transparent & inclusive decision‑making. Please take the survey by this Friday 3 Oct!
👉
@Cepei and partners are studying how influence and power works to inform #UN80 reforms for more transparent & inclusive decision‑making. Please take the survey by this Friday 3 Oct!
👉
The UK PM wants to revisit how #InternationalLaw is interpreted. Meanwhile, the US—after warning drug smugglers it would “blow you out of existence”—wants an American to lead #UNODC.
Are these challenges to global norms something to resist—or a normal evolution to be engaged with?
Are these challenges to global norms something to resist—or a normal evolution to be engaged with?
UN80 and Reform: Navigating Normative Challenges in Global Politics
Rethinking UN80 and Reform Through Norm Contestation5 July 2025By Andraž MelanšekAs the United Nations (UN) approaches its 80th anniversary, it faces a moment of unprecedented tension and…
www.reformworks.org
October 1, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The UK PM wants to revisit how #InternationalLaw is interpreted. Meanwhile, the US—after warning drug smugglers it would “blow you out of existence”—wants an American to lead #UNODC.
Are these challenges to global norms something to resist—or a normal evolution to be engaged with?
Are these challenges to global norms something to resist—or a normal evolution to be engaged with?
🙏 To all who have followed our research spotlights - how can we better provide you the research you need in a more user-friendly way?
We appreciate your interest in ReformWorks, and want to keep you coming.
Please take a minute to fill out our very short (4 question) survey. lnkd.in/g5hh4cti
We appreciate your interest in ReformWorks, and want to keep you coming.
Please take a minute to fill out our very short (4 question) survey. lnkd.in/g5hh4cti
September 26, 2025 at 1:45 PM
🙏 To all who have followed our research spotlights - how can we better provide you the research you need in a more user-friendly way?
We appreciate your interest in ReformWorks, and want to keep you coming.
Please take a minute to fill out our very short (4 question) survey. lnkd.in/g5hh4cti
We appreciate your interest in ReformWorks, and want to keep you coming.
Please take a minute to fill out our very short (4 question) survey. lnkd.in/g5hh4cti
📈 ReformWorks is growing—5,370+ new visitors this year alone.
#UN staff and #diplomats are clearly seeking evidence-based tools for meaningful reform. Help us deliver them to you even better.
Take 1 minute to shape how we share insights that support your work:
👉 buff.ly/TsLA0JQ
#Multilateralism
#UN staff and #diplomats are clearly seeking evidence-based tools for meaningful reform. Help us deliver them to you even better.
Take 1 minute to shape how we share insights that support your work:
👉 buff.ly/TsLA0JQ
#Multilateralism
September 20, 2025 at 1:45 PM
📈 ReformWorks is growing—5,370+ new visitors this year alone.
#UN staff and #diplomats are clearly seeking evidence-based tools for meaningful reform. Help us deliver them to you even better.
Take 1 minute to shape how we share insights that support your work:
👉 buff.ly/TsLA0JQ
#Multilateralism
#UN staff and #diplomats are clearly seeking evidence-based tools for meaningful reform. Help us deliver them to you even better.
Take 1 minute to shape how we share insights that support your work:
👉 buff.ly/TsLA0JQ
#Multilateralism
This week, the #UN80 working group kicked off its work on mandate reform.
If a mandate is agreed, but without new resources—is that a real consensus?
Here’s what else member states should unpack. 👇
If a mandate is agreed, but without new resources—is that a real consensus?
Here’s what else member states should unpack. 👇
UN80: What makes a UN Mandate Effective or Efficient?
Explore insights on the UN80 Mandate Implementation Review and the larger question of what makes a UN mandate effective and efficient.
www.reformworks.org
September 18, 2025 at 1:45 PM
This week, the #UN80 working group kicked off its work on mandate reform.
If a mandate is agreed, but without new resources—is that a real consensus?
Here’s what else member states should unpack. 👇
If a mandate is agreed, but without new resources—is that a real consensus?
Here’s what else member states should unpack. 👇
Transparency reforms have shown they can increase support for international #aid - but clearly that's not working for the #UN.
Our round up of the research shows:
👉 Why audience targeting matters more than volume of data
🤔 How tailored #transparency can shift even skeptical views
Our round up of the research shows:
👉 Why audience targeting matters more than volume of data
🤔 How tailored #transparency can shift even skeptical views
UN Transparency: ReformWorks Explores the UN's Trust and Data Challenge
Explore the UN's transparency challenge and why current transparency reforms have not achieved the trust the UN needs, and what it should do differently.
www.reformworks.org
September 16, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Transparency reforms have shown they can increase support for international #aid - but clearly that's not working for the #UN.
Our round up of the research shows:
👉 Why audience targeting matters more than volume of data
🤔 How tailored #transparency can shift even skeptical views
Our round up of the research shows:
👉 Why audience targeting matters more than volume of data
🤔 How tailored #transparency can shift even skeptical views
Struggling to keep up with #UN80 reforms and what the real issues are versus the rhetoric?
Subscribe to the ReformWorks newsletter and stay informed!👇
buff.ly/eq96RwV
Subscribe to the ReformWorks newsletter and stay informed!👇
buff.ly/eq96RwV
September 10, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Struggling to keep up with #UN80 reforms and what the real issues are versus the rhetoric?
Subscribe to the ReformWorks newsletter and stay informed!👇
buff.ly/eq96RwV
Subscribe to the ReformWorks newsletter and stay informed!👇
buff.ly/eq96RwV
Aid #transparency portals were meant to build trust in international institutions and the work they do. And yet their funding has been cut like never before. What went wrong?
ReformWorks explores the research on making transparency effective in #UN80 reforms.
🔗
ReformWorks explores the research on making transparency effective in #UN80 reforms.
🔗
From Data to Trust: The UN’s Transparency Challenge
Explore the UN's transparency challenge and why current transparency reforms have not achieved the trust the UN needs, and what it should do differently.
www.reformworks.org
September 8, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Aid #transparency portals were meant to build trust in international institutions and the work they do. And yet their funding has been cut like never before. What went wrong?
ReformWorks explores the research on making transparency effective in #UN80 reforms.
🔗
ReformWorks explores the research on making transparency effective in #UN80 reforms.
🔗
Mandate complexity = increased risk of inefficiency.
That was the key message of the #UN80 team at an informal discussion they hosted on the Mandate Implementation Review today. Now the new 🇯🇲 & 🇳🇿‑led working group needs to untangle the complexity by March. Here are 3 ideas how.
buff.ly/I4dRVPl
That was the key message of the #UN80 team at an informal discussion they hosted on the Mandate Implementation Review today. Now the new 🇯🇲 & 🇳🇿‑led working group needs to untangle the complexity by March. Here are 3 ideas how.
buff.ly/I4dRVPl
UN80: What makes a UN Mandate Effective or Efficient?
Explore insights on the UN80 Mandate Implementation Review and the larger question of what makes a UN mandate effective and efficient.
www.reformworks.org
September 3, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Mandate complexity = increased risk of inefficiency.
That was the key message of the #UN80 team at an informal discussion they hosted on the Mandate Implementation Review today. Now the new 🇯🇲 & 🇳🇿‑led working group needs to untangle the complexity by March. Here are 3 ideas how.
buff.ly/I4dRVPl
That was the key message of the #UN80 team at an informal discussion they hosted on the Mandate Implementation Review today. Now the new 🇯🇲 & 🇳🇿‑led working group needs to untangle the complexity by March. Here are 3 ideas how.
buff.ly/I4dRVPl
As #UNICEF’s Exec Board sits this week it will learn that 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇧🇪 still lead as top suppliers, as per the 2024 Annual Supply report .
Belgium calls this proof of strategic value in #foreignaid. As aid grows more transactional, we revisit whether this is also a symptom of exclusion.
buff.ly/NfmvbAO
Belgium calls this proof of strategic value in #foreignaid. As aid grows more transactional, we revisit whether this is also a symptom of exclusion.
buff.ly/NfmvbAO
UN Procurement and Sustainable Development Goals: A Critical Analysis
13 August 2023By Katja HemmerichOn 17 August 2023, the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board holds an informal consultation on the 2022 Annual Statistical Report on Procurement in the UN System. This…
www.reformworks.org
September 2, 2025 at 2:48 PM
As #UNICEF’s Exec Board sits this week it will learn that 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇧🇪 still lead as top suppliers, as per the 2024 Annual Supply report .
Belgium calls this proof of strategic value in #foreignaid. As aid grows more transactional, we revisit whether this is also a symptom of exclusion.
buff.ly/NfmvbAO
Belgium calls this proof of strategic value in #foreignaid. As aid grows more transactional, we revisit whether this is also a symptom of exclusion.
buff.ly/NfmvbAO
UN Mandates are now 4x more likely to be adopted without new funding than in 2000. If states won’t pay for what they approve, is it still relevant? 🤔
We unpack this quiet shift—and offer 2 more concrete criteria for #UN mandate reform.
🔗 buff.ly/Hrz5ngu
We unpack this quiet shift—and offer 2 more concrete criteria for #UN mandate reform.
🔗 buff.ly/Hrz5ngu
UN80: What makes a UN Mandate Effective or Efficient?
Explore insights on the UN80 Mandate Implementation Review and the larger question of what makes a UN mandate effective and efficient.
www.reformworks.org
August 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM
UN Mandates are now 4x more likely to be adopted without new funding than in 2000. If states won’t pay for what they approve, is it still relevant? 🤔
We unpack this quiet shift—and offer 2 more concrete criteria for #UN mandate reform.
🔗 buff.ly/Hrz5ngu
We unpack this quiet shift—and offer 2 more concrete criteria for #UN mandate reform.
🔗 buff.ly/Hrz5ngu
📘 The SG's new #UN80 Mandate Implementation Review analyzes how mandates evolve—but still sidesteps one critical question: what makes a mandate effective or efficient?
In our latest spotlight, we propose 3 clear criteria using the reports' insights & data.
In our latest spotlight, we propose 3 clear criteria using the reports' insights & data.
UN80: What makes a UN Mandate Effective or Efficient?
Explore insights on the UN80 Mandate Implementation Review and the larger question of what makes a UN mandate effective and efficient.
www.reformworks.org
August 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM
📘 The SG's new #UN80 Mandate Implementation Review analyzes how mandates evolve—but still sidesteps one critical question: what makes a mandate effective or efficient?
In our latest spotlight, we propose 3 clear criteria using the reports' insights & data.
In our latest spotlight, we propose 3 clear criteria using the reports' insights & data.
🧩 Recent efforts by #UN80 to engage member states contrast sharply with a staff union vote of no confidence last week. This highlights tensions between #leadership styles required for two very distinct but important stakeholder groups in international organizations, as we explain.
buff.ly/BSZPrQz
buff.ly/BSZPrQz
UN80 Leadership Strategies: Navigating Change & Driving Reform
Explore proven UN Leadership strategies in times of change. Learn how effective leadership can navigate challenges and drive UN reform success.
www.reformworks.org
July 27, 2025 at 4:47 PM
🧩 Recent efforts by #UN80 to engage member states contrast sharply with a staff union vote of no confidence last week. This highlights tensions between #leadership styles required for two very distinct but important stakeholder groups in international organizations, as we explain.
buff.ly/BSZPrQz
buff.ly/BSZPrQz
The UN’s financial crisis masks a deeper disruption—the contestation of core int'l norms. Our latest contributor argues this does not necessarily signal collapse, but evolution of norms. His #UN experience offers concrete ways to support constructive #change at all levels.
🤔
🤔
UN80 and Reform: Navigating Normative Challenges in Global Politics
Rethinking UN80 and Reform Through Norm Contestation5 July 2025By Andraž MelanšekAs the United Nations (UN) approaches its 80th anniversary, it faces a moment of unprecedented tension and…
www.reformworks.org
July 11, 2025 at 2:27 PM
😱 The UN’s Fifth Committee faces major pressure this fall: a third try to solve the liquidity crisis while tackling a revised 2026 budget. “Bureaucracy,” is not the problem here, but rather the tool that facilitates necessary, difficult political decisions.
👉 www.reformworks.org/post/why-bur...
👉 www.reformworks.org/post/why-bur...
July 8, 2025 at 2:47 PM
😱 The UN’s Fifth Committee faces major pressure this fall: a third try to solve the liquidity crisis while tackling a revised 2026 budget. “Bureaucracy,” is not the problem here, but rather the tool that facilitates necessary, difficult political decisions.
👉 www.reformworks.org/post/why-bur...
👉 www.reformworks.org/post/why-bur...
😱 The UN’s Fifth Committee faces major pressure this fall: a third try to solve the liquidity crisis while tackling a revised 2026 budget. “Bureaucracy,” is not the problem here, but rather the tool that facilitates necessary, difficult political decisions.
👉 www.reformworks.org/post/why-bur...
👉 www.reformworks.org/post/why-bur...
July 8, 2025 at 2:27 PM
😱 The UN’s Fifth Committee faces major pressure this fall: a third try to solve the liquidity crisis while tackling a revised 2026 budget. “Bureaucracy,” is not the problem here, but rather the tool that facilitates necessary, difficult political decisions.
👉 www.reformworks.org/post/why-bur...
👉 www.reformworks.org/post/why-bur...
🔍 UN reform is full of trade-offs—but what are they?
We’re building ReformNavigator, an AI tool that surfaces lessons from past reforms in real time.
Help us test the prototype—join our campaign and grab an Influencer or Early Adopter perk on Indiegogo: www.indiegogo.com/projects/ref...
We’re building ReformNavigator, an AI tool that surfaces lessons from past reforms in real time.
Help us test the prototype—join our campaign and grab an Influencer or Early Adopter perk on Indiegogo: www.indiegogo.com/projects/ref...
July 2, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🔍 UN reform is full of trade-offs—but what are they?
We’re building ReformNavigator, an AI tool that surfaces lessons from past reforms in real time.
Help us test the prototype—join our campaign and grab an Influencer or Early Adopter perk on Indiegogo: www.indiegogo.com/projects/ref...
We’re building ReformNavigator, an AI tool that surfaces lessons from past reforms in real time.
Help us test the prototype—join our campaign and grab an Influencer or Early Adopter perk on Indiegogo: www.indiegogo.com/projects/ref...