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Katja @ReformWorks

@reformworks.bsky.social

94 followers 210 following 95 posts

Managing Director @ReformWorks, aiming to disrupt how we manage international organizations and find new paths to effective performance.

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

Council of Europe @coe.int · 01/10/2026

“Multilateralism is our shared destiny.”- At the Parliamentary Assembly, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco called for stronger dialogue and cooperation to uphold international law, protect human rights and safeguard our planet. www.coe.int/en/web/porta...

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

As the #UN #GeneralAssembly’s High Level week kicks off, check out my analysis of how realistic the the theme of “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation” really is, and what delegates and UN staff would need to do to turn the rhetoric into reality. buff.ly/Zp9AZY4 #UNGA81 #UN80

If There’s No Trust, How Can the UN Transform? Insights on UN and Trust | ReformWorks

Explore the vision of change of new President of the General Assembly, the evidence on how legitimacy and trust can impede transformation and what this means for UN reform.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Rockefeller Foundation’s 2026 public opinion poll on international cooperation across 34 is in - and it shows that last year’s desire for more #multilateral cooperation was NOT an anomaly. Highlights in the :

Next SG and UN Reform: Public Expectations & Leadership Priorities

Explore recent shifts in global public opinion and the priorities these identify for UN reform and the next SG.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

UNGA81 opened with the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A #UN that Delivers for All." The new GA President says showing the UN can deliver will restore trust & collective action. The SG argues states must agree for the UN to prove its effectiveness. Who is right? 👉️ buff.ly/Zp9AZY4

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

When data risks become legitimacy risks for international organizations 👇

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Guest lecturing about how intergovernmental structures impact leadership and innovation at Daystar University in Kenya last Friday was a great boost. Students still perceive the #UN as relevant, even if they want change, like African representation on the Security Council.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Who got hit hardest by the #UN staff cuts in 2025? Many assume the UN system as a whole was forced to cut staff, and that some agencies considered junior staff more expendable. ReformWorks unpacks the CEB's data to check the facts - and found some surprises. buff.ly/g7C959M

reformworks.org

Who got hit hardest by the 2025 UN staff cuts?

Discover who bore the brunt of the 2025 UN staff cuts. Explore the impact of the UN staff cuts on various entities, categories of staff and workforce dynamics - and what this means for the HLCM.

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

World Politics @worldpolitics.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Can small powers set the #UN agenda? @sabrinabarias.bsky.social assembled a #dataset of proposed agenda items & the tenure of small states' #ambassadors from 1946 to 2018 to support her argument that they can. Have a read of her article in the July issue: doi.org/10.1353/wp.2... #research #evidence

Colorful image of World Politics journal covers

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

There are 2 UN narratives on civil society: in NY, they’re seen as policy advocates; in the field, as #localization partners. Neither connects to reform debates on #performance & #accountability — a surprising gap for a reform that is supposedly evidence-based. Here’s the evidence: buff.ly/RfGCubV

reformworks.org

Does the UN Need Civil Society? Exploring UN & Civil Society Dynamics

Explore the evidence and research outlining why an effective and accountable UN needs civil society engagement.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

A former head of #UNICEF recently joked that the UN loves meetings — and we all laughed. But research finds that #UN organizations that perform well tend to have more informal meetings with member states. That’s where alignment and trust are built - and where there is surprising variation. 🤔

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Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

The Story of Writing @sownow.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

The U.S. never formally joined the ICC, but now says it is trying to dismantle the court. Carnegie Endowment Dir. Stewart Patrick says the U.S. is escalating its war on multilateralism. This is a path taken by a number of countries who coordinate on policies and collaborate to reach common goals.

carnegieendowment.org

What’s Driving the Trump Administration’s Push to Dismantle the ICC?

The move is an escalation of its war on multilateralism.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

It was so great to engage with #civilsociety reps at the #GlobalFuturesForum, who still believe the #UN adds value - but they can only help the UN, if it opens the door to them. Too often this is framed as a nice to have, so we ask whether the UN actually needs civil society? 👉

Does the UN Need Civil Society?

Explore the evidence and research outlining why an effective and accountable UN needs civil society engagement.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Tired of doomscrolling about the #UN? Check out our more positive insights - they don't gloss over the current problems, but present constructive tactics for how to navigate them, based on evidence and independent research. 1/4

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

30,000 ReformWorks research spotlights read — thank you! Grateful for everyone helping build a community that wants to understand and strengthen how international organizations work. Get your ReformWorks spotlights and some new stuff at: buff.ly/0P7kPqM

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

People worldwide, frustrated by rising geopolitical disorder, want global cooperation. This demand, raised across the Global North & South in two recent polls, can be leveraged by the next #SG thru a few easy actions to show the value of the #UN, as our latest spotlight explains. 👉️ buff.ly/SrB5dRy

reformworks.org

Next SG and UN Reform: Public Expectations & Leadership Priorities

Explore recent shifts in global public opinion and the priorities these identify for UN reform and the next SG.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

As governments invoke #sovereignty to ignore global rules, people are seeing the consequences — and they’re not buying it. We explore how new global polling on #multilateralism informs #UNreform and the next SG’s #leadership priorities. buff.ly/OMmNlWe

reformworks.org

The Global Public Knows What it Wants from UN Reform & the next SG

Explore recent shifts in global public opinion and the priorities these identify for UN reform and the next SG.

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

United Nations University @ununiversity.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

🗞️ From an analysis of the future of UN #peacekeeping to a high-level symposium on Japan-UN cooperation, the May 2026 edition of #UNUINSIGHTS features the latest news, research, commentaries and jobs from across the UNU system. Read more and subscribe: go.unu.edu/PrHfr

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

Tim Heinkelmann-Wild @heinkelmann-wild.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

#Germany’s 🇩🇪 failed bid for the #UNSC 🇺🇳shows: Soft power matters! www.dw.com/en/un-securi...

Germany loses vote for UN Security Council seat

Fifteen of the 193 UN member states sit on the UN Security Council. Germany was in competition with Austria and Portugal for two seats in the "Western Europe and Others" group.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Governance gaps continue to block real #UNreform — and will impact the UNGA designation of lead actors for new mandates. But Friday’s dialogue with Boards, Executive Heads & the DSG won’t address governance alignment, despite Boards’ central role in accountability and #mergers. 👉️

reformworks.org

UN80 Mandates and Governance Disconnect: ReformWorks Blog Analysis

Explore how UN80's Adhoc Working Group is improving mandate information and the extent to which this can effect UN system-wide change in the face of governance disconnects.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Want to stay informed about how #UN80 is impacting organizations across the #UN system, even with differing governing structures? Subscribe to ReformWorks for concise biweekly updates and analytical research spotlights: buff.ly/nEoaXQu

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

One way that multilateral cooperation may be evolving…

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 26/05/2026

Washington told allies it will gradually scale down the number of strategic bombers, fighter jets, drones, submarines and warships dedicated to NATO as it continues pressing Europe to do more for its own defense.

US to pull jets, destroyers and submarines from NATO as part of European drawdown

The U.S. has not given any clear timeline for the withdrawal, as it seeks to pare back its commitments to the alliance.

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

United Nations Association - UK (UNA-UK) @una-uk.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Join us tomorrow for our annual ceremony with UNA Westminster to pay tribute to the more than 68,000 personnel serving in peacekeeping missions across the globe, and honour all those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. 📍 1:30pm | The Cenotaph, Whitehall

International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2026 - UNA-UK

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Today the#UNGA discusses templates to cut mandate duplication, incl. naming lead #UN entities to coordinate action. But the UNGA lacks authority over many possible UN leads & their funding to get the job done, which has undermined success of past reforms. But this is fixable 👉️

UN80: Better Mandate Information, Same Governance Disconnect

Explore how UN80's Adhoc Working Group is improving mandate information and the extent to which this can effect UN system-wide change in the face of governance disconnects.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Member States take up the new mandate‑setting templates on Wednesday — but as drafted, they risk repeating the governance gaps that undermined past UN reforms. ReformWorks outlines key questions for Wednesday's dialogue to avoid those pitfalls. 👉 See the questions in our spotlight:

reformworks.org

UN80: Better Mandate Information, Same Governance Disconnect

Explore how UN80's Adhoc Working Group is improving mandate information and the extent to which this can effect UN system-wide change in the face of governance disconnects.

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Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

PassBlue @passblue.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

UN80 Is the Wrong Answer to the Right Question passblue.com/2026/04/05/u...

UN80 Is the Wrong Answer to the Right Question

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

As US contributions to the #UN grow, they’re all still earmarked funding — despite all the inefficiencies that brings. But it also creates space for bureaucratic entrepreneurs and minilateral partners to innovate at the policy and operational levels - as #UNODC has shown. buff.ly/0RoNpOa

reformworks.org

UN80 Stagnation and Bureaucratic Entrepreneurs: Opportunities for Reform

Explore how UN80 stagnation creates new opportunities for bureaucratic entrepreneurs and minilateralism to drive change. Discover pathways for UN reform in the face of political gridlock.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Today’s #UN80 dialogue highlighted a big gap: no shared definition of comparative advantage to guide mandate allocation. #MOPAN offers one — and we applied it to #UNFPA, #UNWomen and #OHCHR. 👉 Spotlight: buff.ly/HLBU9ai

reformworks.org

UN80 Insights: Evaluating the UNFPA and UNWomen Merger | ReformWorks

Explore a new analytical tool to assess the benefits of a potential merger of UNFPA, UNWomen and other UN entities using comparative advantage.

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

Tim Heinkelmann-Wild @heinkelmann-wild.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

It’s a wrap! Over the weekend, we discussed #blame games in IOs, their protagonists, strategies, determinants, and consequences for #legitimacy and #accountability with a view of beautiful Lake Starnberg.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

With #UN80 called a “productive failure,” many say nothing can move amid political divides and unstable funding. But that also creates openings — for bureaucratic entrepreneurs & minilateral coalitions to drive change. 👉 ReformWorks explains how: www.reformworks.org/post/un80-st... #UNreform

reformworks.org

UN80 Stagnation: An Opportunity for Bureaucratic Entrepreneurs

Explore how UN80 stagnation creates new opportunities for bureaucratic entrepreneurs and minilateralism to drive change. Discover pathways for UN reform in the face of political gridlock.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Debate over a #UNFPA–#UNWomen merger is growing, but there’s still no solid way to assess the risks or benefits. @MOPAN’s comparative‑advantage framework offers a practical path — and we tested it across UNFPA, UN Women, and #OHCHR, with surprising new insights for #UN80. 👉️ buff.ly/eFRKCrr

reformworks.org

UN80 Insights: Assessing the Value of a Merger of UNFPA & UNWomen

Explore a new analytical tool to assess the benefits of a potential merger of UNFPA, UNWomen and other UN entities using comparative advantage.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Proud to see our work on how #governance, #diplomacy, and #funding collide at #UN Executive Boards featured in CEPEI’s new analysis of power and influence in the UN development system. Our piece: buff.ly/9ucvDQo CEPEI’s study: buff.ly/j18CCaD

reformworks.org

Why Corporate Governance Reforms Clash with UN Boards

4 February 2024By Katja HemmerichThis month our spotlight is on the Joint Inspection Unit’s (JIU) review of governance and oversight effectiveness of the Executive Boards of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS, UNICEF…

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Civil society engagement strengthens monitoring, #accountability, and #performance in int'l organizations. @alupel.bsky.social spotlighted this at Tuesday’s youth meeting on Shaping #Multilateralism — drawing on our ReformWorks research. Check it out: 👉️ www.reformworks.org/post/can-int...

reformworks.org

Improving Accountability: Tools for International Organizations

17 December 2023By Katja HemmerichIn our UN Governance updates, we have regularly highlighted the monthly briefings that the UNOPS senior management provides to the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board…

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

NYU Center on International Cooperation (CIC) @nyucic.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

🆕 In a new @reformworks.bsky.social article, #NYUCIC’s Program Officer @thibaultc.bsky.social explores the #UN Secretariat’s shift from a normative role towards being judged on its ability to deliver results. Read the full piece ⤵️

reformworks.org

UN Delivery: The UN Secretariat's Transformation | ReformWorks Blog

Explore the UN Secretariat’s quiet shift from a purely normative role towards being judged on its ability to deliver results. Using UN80 as a lens, the post explains how reforms and financing practices have embedded delivery expectations into mandate governance, creating unresolved institutional tensions at the heart of multilateralism.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

International norms are being challenged daily. It’s unsettling — but the #UN has operated in similar environments for most of its history - and shown #resilience. How? #Adaptability. Our latest research spotlight looks at the tactics and skills for UN adaptation. buff.ly/6Ojf4dR

reformworks.org

Adaptability: The UN's Tool for Navigating Hard Power Politics

Explore how the UN has navigated hard power politics through adaptation in the past, and discover the skills and tactics used to facilitate this adaptability.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

UN80 has been criticized for lacking a vision. Yet the process has highlighted a deeper shift from the #UN as a normative body to one with delivery at its core. Thibault Camelli explores the tensions this creates for member state engagement, as the IAWG drops its interim report..

reformworks.org

From Norms to Delivery: The UN Secretariat’s Unspoken Transformation

Explore the UN Secretariat’s quiet shift from a purely normative role towards being judged on its ability to deliver results. Using UN80 as a lens, the post explains how reforms and financing…

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

At last week’s #UN budget presentation, cuts to the #development pillar sparked controversy. Confusion over #ACABQ calculations led to a promised corrigendum. While 2026 may protect development, the longer funding trend tells another story… 📩 Sign up for more ReformWorks insights: buff.ly/HktOS3O

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Last week’s #CDR had great insights on leadership skills - yet little on context. Funding flows, shifting priorities, & public perceptions all should have shaped how UN leaders applied those skills and mitigated this crisis, e.g. UN 💵 buff.ly/Aqsg3HC Aid🗣️ buff.ly/pplic2Y 🌐 Norms: buff.ly/uVy8KZi

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Guy Ryder briefs #UN member states this Friday, 21 Nov on the #UN80 Action Plan—focused on how to reform, not just what, and a shift from past #UNreforms. But key gaps remain: 🔹 Governance body approvals 🔹 UN staff engagement 📘 Read why these matter—and what else to raise:

reformworks.org

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…

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

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

reformworks.org

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…

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

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.

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…

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

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...

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

🇩🇪 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

reformworks.org

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.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

🧭 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.

reformworks.org

'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…

Reposted by Katja @ReformWorks

Annalena Baerbock @unpga.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

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...

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.

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

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.org

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…

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

✨ 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.

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

⌛ 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! 👉

docs.google.com

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…

Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

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?

reformworks.org

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…

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Katja @ReformWorks @reformworks.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

🙏 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

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