A Development Economist in the United Nations

This book explores the joys and occasional frustrations of a development economist working for the United Nations.

From 1982 to 2000, Richard Jolly worked in senior positions in UNICEF and UNDP on assignments that were innovative for the UN, the countries concerned, and for development. The book analyses his experiences as Deputy Director of UNICEF, Principal Coordinator and co-author of UNDP’s widely acclaimed Human Development Report and as a community development officer in Kenya. It also covers his involvement in the UN and country mission to Zambia and ILO employment missions to Colombia, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. It shows what the UN can achieve when there is strong leadership at central and field levels, together with decentralised approaches. Jolly’s experiences lead him to conclude there are, in fact, three UNs: the formal UN of governments; the second UN comprising UN staff members, often the source of initiatives and action; and the third UN of NGOs, experts, consultants, and others closely following the UN or working with it, often bringing new thinking and innovation.

Reflecting on the need for international action to be more effective and the UN to be more strongly supported, this volume is a fascinating guide for students and scholars of global governance, development, and international organisations, as well as those working for them.