Since 1997, UN Reforms have harmonized a wide range of tools and procedures in order to reduce bureaucracy between of UN, donor organizations and host governments and to turn the concept of national ownership into reality. Successful implementation of UN Reforms is a key tool for the UN in responding to the challenges of changing global financing for development.

The latest wave of UN Reform was published in March 2005 and entitled "In Larger Freedom". Document highlights issues of collective security, aid effectiveness and human rights. A key message to guide global development states,

We will not enjoy development without security,

We will not enjoy security without development, and

We will not enjoy either without respect for human rights

The UN Development Group (UNDG) is the global instrument for UN Reforms, and works to improve the effectiveness of UN development. The Group is chaired by the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the Secretary General. The Harmonisation & Aligment (H & S) agenda forms the centre of the UN Reforms. H & S targets at moving national development strategies such as PRSPs into the focus of the UN's cooperation with partners.