Delivering Successful Change on Diversity and Inclusion in the UN

In 2017, the UN Laboratory for Organizational Change and Knowledge (UNLOCK)—a programme of the United Nations System Staff College, in partnership with UNDP’s Management Consulting Team—launched a study on successful change in diversity and inclusion across the UN. While extensive guidance already exists on steps towards gender equity, diversity and inclusion, this inquiry sought to add a new perspective: what does it take to manage change in this space? How are change management principles being applied to advance diversity and inclusion? What do leaders, managers and staff need to know to maximize their chances of progress? 

To explore these questions, five UN entities—UNAIDS, UN Cares, UNDP, UNDSS, and UNHCR—were studied in depth, each offering unique experiences and approaches. This mini case study shares the lessons drawn from their journeys, providing practical insights for those striving to make diversity and inclusion a reality across the UN system. 

Case study: 62 pages / 80–100 minutes reading