Strategy & Resources
We will build modern capabilities – data, digital, innovation, foresight and behavioural science – into the ‘DNA’ of all UN entities.
By aligning our long-term strategic plans with UN 2.0 and building learning organizations, we will be able to embed these capabilities into our core operations to drive transformative change and address evolving global challenges effectively.
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Tools to Kickstart Implementation
Explore the collection of tools and resources to get started with your UN 2.0 implementation journey.
Strategic Plans Library
This database contains over 30 strategic plans of UN wide entities, you can filter by quintet area (data, digital, innovation, foresight and behavioural science), by organization name, integration approach and timeframe. Browse the library to explore different approaches of how to integrate UN 2.0 effectively into entity goals.
Detailed Toolkits for UN 2.0 Areas
Use the toolkits, strategies, and reviews for a more detailed exploration of strategic approaches to UN 2.0 areas – for now in the areas of innovation, data, behavioural science, foresight and frontier technology.
Strategic Planning Support
Reach out for Support
Are you part of your entity’s strategic planning team and would like to know more about experts who can help with translating the Action Plan into entity-level steps? Reach out to us!
Transformation Support Offer
Some UN Entities offer planning and change management as a service, for example the “Propeller” business transformation initiative. Explore and reach out to the teams directly.
Investment Cases and Budgeting
Investment Case for Data
All UN 2.0 areas can help making our work more effective. Demonstrating the benefits of investing in data can support resource shifts. A World Bank study found that every $1 invested in data ecosystems can yield a $32 return.
Intro to Budget Frameworks
Effective budgeting underpins strong investment cases, resource allocation, and informed decision-making. Explore three common budgeting methods, offering a first introduction and pros and cons to help you find the best fit.
4 Key Actions for the UN System in the area of Strategy and Resources
In the area of Strategy & Resources, the UN 2.0 Action Plan includes four essential actions all UN entities are asked to take for embedding UN 2.0 into existing plans, guides and teams.
Action 1
Action 2
Action 3
Action 4
Example
ACTION 1:
Integrate in multi-year strategic plans
ACTION 1:
Integrate in multi-year strategic plans
ACTION 2:
Integrate in key programme plans
ACTION 2:
Integrate in key programme plans
ACTION 3:
Strengthen HQ practices
ACTION 3:
Strengthen HQ practices
ACTION 4:
Track Progress
ACTION 4:
Track Progress
Where Do We Stand?
Progress of UN system modernization in the area of strategy and resources in 2024
Glossary
- UN 2.0 approaches: Data, digital, innovation, behavioural science, foresight, and culture approaches that enhance UN entity operations and programmes.
- Programme Priorities: Key focus areas guiding UN entity programmes in formal documents, such as Strategic Plans, Programme Plans, Country Programme Documents, Cooperation Frameworks, etc.
- Operations Priorities: Core tasks and functions essential for achieving programme goals, also referred to as operational priorities or enablers.
- Entity-Level Strategic Plans: Multi-year plans developed by individual UN entities, usually mandated by Executive Boards, to guide their strategic direction.
- Resource Allocation: The process of distributing financial and human resources to support strategic priorities, typically with Executive Board or Committee support.
- Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks: Strategic frameworks that guide the collective response of the UN system to national development priorities, aligned with the SDGs.
- Country programme document: Detailed plans or documents developed by UN entities at the country level to implement the SDCF, focusing on specific outcomes.
- Entity programme plans: Plans by individual UN Secretariat entities that outline specific objectives and activities aligned with their strategic priorities and the broader UN mission.
- Use-case-centric approaches: Practical applications of data, digital, innovation, behavioural science, and foresight capabilities tailored to specific challenges or opportunities.
- Dedicated leadership roles: Specific positions such as Chief Digital Officer, Chief Data Officer, Innovation Lab Head, and Foresight Lead established at the HQ level to drive strategic initiatives in their respective areas.
- HQ practice: Organizational functions and roles situated at the HQ level, focused on guiding and supporting entity-wide strategies and programmes.
- Centers of excellence: Collaborative hubs that bring together expertise, resources, and best practices across entities to enhance capabilities in specialized areas.
- Change and culture transformation experts: Specialists in managing organizational change and fostering cultural shifts that support the adoption of new practices and approaches.
- UN 2.0 scorecards: Established tool for measuring progress of UN entities in advancing UN 2.0 approaches across various dimensions, providing a comprehensive overview at the system level, reported to CEB annually.
- Self-assessments: Internal self-evaluations conducted by entities, country offices, or teams to assess progress, identify gaps, and advance UN 2.0 implementation, without mandatory reporting of results.
Comments or Suggestions?
If you have feedback or additional resources to share, please feel free to reach out to us using the following options
