Summary: GAO examined changes in the policies and procedures for the management of U.S. participation in the U.N. since its 1977 report. In that report it was recommended that the President reaffirm the importance of U.S. participation in the U.N., give the Secretary of State responsibility for formulating and directing U.S. policy for such participation, and establish a cabinet-level advisory committee to aid the Secretary of State in carrying out those responsibilities. The Developmental Coordination Committee (DCC) subcommittee on the developmental programs and budgets of international organizations has been designated by the State Department as the cabinet-level advisory. The International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA), established in July 1979, is to serve as the focal point for all U.S. economic assistance affecting U.S. relations with developing countries, including budget support and policy concerning U.S. support of the U.N. developmental programs. GAO also made recommendations to the Secretary of State for strengthening the management of U.S. participation in international organizations.
GAO believes that the DCC subcommittee has the potential to accomplish its earlier recommendations. The IDCA offers promise for relevant decisionmaking and increased U.S. ability to coordinate foreign development activities, and that it addresses the executive branch problems previously identified. Through its director, a single U.S. official is given the responsibility for directing U.S. development policy in international organizations and the authority to ensure consistency in U.S. programs affecting development.
