There is never a humanitarian solution for a humanitarian crisis. The solutions for the humanitarian crisis are always political ones.
Antonio GuterresRead
Looking at U.N. staff and budgetary rules and regulations, one might think some of them were designed to prevent, rather than enable, the effective delivery of our mandates. It benefits no one if it takes nine months to deploy a staff member to the field.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the bureaucratic processes that hinder effective operations within organizations like the U.N.
Antonio Guterres highlights the inefficiencies in the United Nations' administrative procedures, suggesting that rules which are intended to ensure accountability and compliance often end up obstructing swift action and effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of streamlining these processes to enable timely deployment of staff to important missions, underscoring that bureaucracy should not impede the vital work of international organizations.
Themes
BureaucracyEfficiencyLeadershipUnited NationsAdministration
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation on improving organizational effectiveness, this quote can be used to highlight the need for reform in bureaucratic procedures.
More from Antonio Guterres
All quotes →As a global society, we have the technology, resources and the know-how to make a massive difference to living standards everywhere, including for refugees.
Antonio GuterresRead
The world's problems transcend borders.
Antonio GuterresRead
Humanitarian response, sustainable development, and sustaining peace are three sides of the same triangle.
Antonio GuterresRead
The fact that societies are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious is good. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
Antonio GuterresRead
Syria has become the great tragedy of this century - a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history.
Antonio GuterresRead
Similar quotes
We must truly serve those whom we appear to command; we must bear with their imperfections, correct them with gentleness and patience, and lead them in the way to heaven.
Francois FenelonRead
People of influence understand the incredible value of becoming a good listener.
John C. MaxwellRead
In the Han Dynasty, Xiang_x000D_ Yu was very brave and won_x000D_ many battles, but in the end_x000D_ he failed. Treat people with_x000D_ sincerity and build a good_x000D_ organization. Otherwise, it_x000D_ doesn’t matter how famous _x000D_ or how capable you are.
Li Ka-ShingRead
Stand for people. Not a product or service or metric or number. If we stand for real, living, breathing people, we will change the world.
Simon SinekRead
It is the business of a general to be serene and inscrutable, impartial and self-controlled.
Sun TzuRead
The ministers of kings should learn to moderate their ambition. The higher they elevate themselves above their proper sphere, the greater the danger that they will fall.
Louis XivRead