Mr. Kolakovic (Switzerland) and Mr. Kranen (Germany), representatives of the Geneva Group General* (see footnote) briefed the network on the outcome of a seminar on information technology in the UN System convened on February 28, 2005. Their report summarized “an IT/MIS checklist of 7 recommendations: leadership and change management; planning and vision; savings; the standardization of shared services; best business practices; management reform and quality assurance”. The network members agreed with the presenters that their recommendations covered all the critical areas of ICT system development and the discussion centred on the role that donor representatives could play to foster an environment where savings can be achieved. Many network members indicated that organizations frequently develop ICT systems to satisfy the information requirements of the donors, and therefore streamlining information requirements from the Member States could lead to system savings.

The committee expressed its appreciation for the presentation and agreed to remain in contact.

Footnote:

From their presentation, the Geneva Group General was “established in 1964 of those like -minded countries contributing more than 1% to the UN system. Membership includes Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Switzerland, UK and USA”