Dear Colleague,

The UN has a long history of operating by consensus, which is why the most radical social agendas have been kept out of global agreements.  In a new Definitions paper, Stefano Gennarini explains the importance of consensus, while showing how a group of wealthy donor countries is increasingly taking steps to bypass this essential norm that allows the rest of the world to place some checks on their power.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Oas, Ph.D.
Director of Research

Since the founding of the United Nations, member states have tried to adopt common policy positions on a wide range of issues by “consensus.” This is a standard term in parliamentary procedure common to legislative bodies and boardrooms. It means that that a decision or resolution is adopted without objection or the need for a vote because everyone agrees with the proposed text. At the United Nations, there are numerous political and diplomatic connotations to “consensus” that are unique to the specific context and setting of the international organization. This Definitions will look at what consensus means at the United Nations and why it is important in the UN context. Read more >>>