The meeting considered the selection of business cases to be adopted within the initial phase of the UN System ICT Strategy Framework. It noted that consensus on their selection would provide the Network with a clear starting point from which to proceed pragmatically, while also providing a basis on which support from HLCM may be sought. All recommendations of McKinsey and Company were considered, which included Payroll BPO and Procurement among others. Several agencies voiced their interest in pursuing Payroll as an initial component of the Strategy’s Framework.

The Network members agreed that ICT savings should not be considered solely as cost reductions, but also in the context of potential gains in efficiency. Although inherently more difficult to quantify, improved business effectiveness is considered to be a more appropriate selection criterion than cost savings.

Decision 3

The meeting recommended that the following Business Cases be priorities of the UN System ICT Strategy Framework:

a) ICT Services Sourcing Strategy

b) ICT Development Network

c) Common Application Solutions

d) Knowledge Sharing

e) ERP Systems

f) ICT Governance and Best Practices

g) Business Case Development and Costing

h) UN ICT Training

These business cases provide the greatest potential in terms of organizational interest, cost savings and overall feasibility.

Decision 4

Noting that delivering the strategy framework is essentially a “change management” issue, the network recommended the creation of a governance body that would bring a broader business perspective to the strategy, drive its planning and implementation process as well as identify and resolve major issues. The membership of this small but balanced body would draw upon the two high- level committees and the network itself. Subject to the approval of the two high- level committees, the CEB Secretariat, in consultation with the chairs of the HLCM, HLCP and the ICT Network, will elaborate the terms of reference for this group as well as proposals for its membership.

Decision 5

The Network agreed that working groups should coalesce around each priority business case to develop timeframes, deliverables and any investment required to achieve its goals. These working groups would form from among the agencies interested in a particular business case, and, once formed, each working group would establish its own working modalities, with the support of the CEB Secretariat.

Decision 6

The Network agreed that initial financial resources would be required to elaborate and implement the above mentioned priority areas within the UN System ICT Strategy Framework. The Network further agreed that through progress in these areas, productivity and efficiencies in both management and programme deliveries could be significantly enhanced, thereby resulting in longterm savings.