ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (WNP): Assistant Secretary-General of United Nations Office for Project Services, Sonja Leighton-Kone, visited Pakistan this week to support efforts by United Nations agencies in establishing a Common Back Office aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

During her visit to Islamabad, Sonja Leighton-Kone highlighted the significance of the initiative, which will bring together shared services such as human resources, finance, and procurement for the 24 UN entities operating in Pakistan under one integrated system.

She termed the initiative a major step toward improving cost-effectiveness and enabling the UN system to deliver more impactful results for the people it serves.

Reflecting on her return to Pakistan after 27 years, where she began her UN career, the Assistant Secretary-General described the visit as taking place at a critical moment, noting Pakistan’s role on the global stage, particularly in advancing peace and mediation efforts.

She emphasized that as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the organization is navigating a period of increasing global challenges, requiring stronger multilateral cooperation to address crises related to peace, sustainable development, and human rights.

“The UN remains an essential platform for countries to work together, but it must evolve to deliver more with fewer resources,” she said.

The Common Back Office initiative, being piloted in Pakistan, is part of broader UN reform efforts led by António Guterres. The model is expected to be expanded globally, reflecting a shift toward streamlined operations and improved service delivery.

Leighton-Kone noted that the approach would help free up resources, enabling UN agencies to focus more effectively on tangible outcomes for communities in Pakistan and around the world.