Resources, Challenges and Change

Abstract: Many of the Programs, Funds and Specialized Agencies of the United Nations were founded in the aftermath of the Second World War. The purpose of the creation of these organizations has long since been replaced by new ones. This thesis addresses the challenges experienced today by three of the most prominent UN Specialized Agencies, Funds and Programs, FAO, UNICEF and WFP. The thesis' research question is whether the funding mechanism of an aid organization (voluntary vs. assessment) is more likely to have implications on its reform and change ability? Theories derived from institutionalism have served as theoretical framework to answer the research question. The method utilized in this research is a structured, focused comparison. The findings indicate that voluntary funded agencies are more prone to comply with changes to its modalities and practices. However, the situation of FAO has for some time been characterized by bad governance and low efficiency and is therefore not valid as a representative for the specialized agencies when it comes to changing ability adaptation.