Former high-level United Nations officials to launch ‘DOGE-UN’ to highlight agency inefficiencies

A group of former United Nations officials, frustrated with the inefficiency of the world body, has launched a new investigative effort called “DOGE-UN.” This initiative, inspired by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to expose wasteful practices within the U.N. and advocate for greater efficiency.

Hugh Dugan, a former member of the U.S. delegation to the U.N. and an ex-National Security Council adviser, is spearheading the DOGE-UN project. He has assembled a team of former U.N. General Assembly presidents and other experts to identify areas where the organization is falling short of its mission and where funds are being mismanaged.

Dugan emphasized the need to shift the U.N.’s focus from outputs to outcomes, such as measuring the impact of its actions on global peace, development, and human rights. He criticized the lack of independent oversight within the U.N., pointing out that the Office of Internal Oversight Services is not truly independent.

Recent scandals within the U.N., such as the case of a former official ordered to repay $59 million lost in questionable deals, highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability. Dugan also referenced past instances of corruption, such as the oil-for-food program under Saddam Hussein, as evidence of systemic issues within the organization.

The U.S. plays a significant role in funding the U.N., providing about a third of its budget. President Biden increased U.S. financial contributions to the U.N. and its affiliated agencies, giving the U.S. leverage to withhold funds if its global interests are not aligned with the U.N.’s actions.

With the upcoming selection of a new U.N. secretary-general in 2026, the U.S. will have veto power over any candidate. Dugan’s report aims to influence this decision and push for meaningful reforms within the organization.

In addition to addressing financial mismanagement, the DOGE-UN initiative will also focus on preventing China from exerting undue influence within the U.N. Dugan expressed concerns about China’s growing presence within the organization and its potential to divert aid for its own geopolitical agenda.

Overall, the DOGE-UN project seeks to hold the U.N. accountable for its actions and ensure that it is working effectively to promote global peace, development, and human rights. By shedding light on wasteful practices and advocating for greater transparency, Dugan and his team hope to drive meaningful change within the world body.