Introduction

Systemic Transformation (ST) was a new phrase to me until reading the UNA UK ‘s mission in the now superseded 2023-25 Strategic Plan and mentioned four times within the 2026-28 Strategic Plan. Immediate exploration of the meaning of ST led to the conclusion that I had been practising a version of ST since the mid 1980’s. However, the name of the process has been  known by a variety of names that were familiar to organisations in sectors such as voluntary, educational, private, public and recreational.

Systemic Transformation – a comprehensive description

Systemic transformation refers to a fundamental, wide-ranging change that affects an entire system rather than just individual components. ST seeks to alter the underlying structures, processes, relationships, and culture of a system. This could apply to organisations, industries, societies or groups of people.

Key characteristics of ST

• Holistic Approach: It considers all interconnected elements and stakeholders.
• Deep Structural Change: It changes the way a system operates at a fundamental level.
• Sustainable Outcomes: The results are often more sustainable and resilient.
• Collaborative Process: Requires involvement and collaborative of diverse groups.
• Adaptive and Dynamic: The process evolves in response to feedback and change.

Major advantages of Systemic Transformation for sustainable change

• ST is process for addressing root causes and not superficial or surface issues.
• ST creates reinforcing cycles of improvement for best practices to be applied.
• ST builds big picture plans, shared ownership, and collective responsibility.
• ST increases adaptability and resilience amongst all involved if projects.
• ST unlocks innovation by changing mindsets and norms amongst all involved.
• ST reduces duplication of effort, waste amongst people skills and time available.
• ST strengthens relationships and social capital amongst key people involved.
• ST operates effectively as a long-term strategy with inter-generational impact.

Challenges and Considerations

Success requires clear vision, strong leadership, effective communication, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty and change. Measurement and evaluation require, competent team members & effective tools & techniques. UN one-year project on ‘Change & Reform’ has helped

Conclusion

ST is a profound comprehensive process that seeks to remake entire systems for lasting improvement. It is ambitious and demanding. when incremental are insufficient when incremental changes are inadequate to address deep-seated challenges or capitalise on new opportunities.

References

UNA-UK 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan: https://unacov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/UNA-UK-Strategic-Plan_2023-2025.pdf

UNA-UK 2026-2030: https://una.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/UNA-UK-Strategy-2026-2030.pdf

Systemic Change: Driving Meaningful Transformation: https://unacentral.uk/systemic-change-driving-meaningful-transformation/

The following is an analysis of systemic change by Robert Smith published on 16 November 2023. Robert Frederick Smith is an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist, founder, chairman, and CEO of private equity firm Vista Equity Partners.

Key Takeaways:

• Systemic change includes the transformation of a system to create a lasting difference.
• Systemic & systematic are closely related terms. However, systemic refers to the impact throughout a system, while systematic explains a methodical approach within a system.
• There are many ways to create a systemic change plan. Some common approaches include creating a case for change, developing scalable innovations & offering

Contents

• What is Systemic Change?
• Systemic v Systematic.
• Seven Examples of Ways to Create a Systemic Change Plan.

When we hear about a new and global crisis, society acts quickly and makes pledges to fix the responsible system. Yet, many of these priorities are made in haste. As a result of acting too quickly, people and organisations sometimes overcommit and cannot deliver on their commitments to change. In addition, society often neglects to realise that many global crises are closely linked.

To create truly sustainable change, we need to realise that it requires more than a few small tweaks to a single system; we need to consider the bigger picture and drive systemic change. Ahead, we unpack the definition of systemic change and the difference between systemic and systematic. I addition, we cover different ways you can create a systemic change plan.

What is Systemic Change?

Systemic change refers to the full overhaul of a system to make a lasting difference. While approaches may vary, this form of change typically involves modifying policies, process, relationships, mindsets and power structures within a system to understand and fix underlying issues. Another way of thinking about it is working to fix deeply ingrained issues by fixing the root cause of an issue rather than zeroing in on its symptoms. Al in all, the goal of systemic change is to create a lasting impact by adjusting the core elements that form the system.

This form of change is critical because it offers society a way to solve big, important problems (think social, economic, and environmental issues and systemic racism by addressing their root causes. In other words, it offers government entities and organisations a way to understand and mitigate ingrained patterns within systems that create barriers to under- represented communities.

Systemic v Systematic

Systemic and systematic are terms that are commonly used interchangeably. They both stem from the word ‘system’ but have different meanings.

• “Systemic” describes habits or processes that impact or are embedded throughout a system.
• “Systematic” explains an organised approach or process used within a system. A systematic approach is usually expressed in a logical sequence of steps.

Put simply, “systemic” refers to the wider impact throughout a system and “systematic” explains a methodical approach or operation within a system.

Seven Examples of Ways to Create a Systemic Change Plan.

When a system needs to be updated or transformed, creating a plan for systemic change is imperative. Creating a systemic change plan first requires identification and understanding of key areas within a system that need to be transformed. Many systemic change frameworks are available to help assess the needs of a system. However, the frameworks should be viewed as guidelines rather than rigid templates, given that each situation is unique. Thinking of systemic change frameworks as references will allow for adjustments to accommodate the evolving dynamics of a transformation.

Ahead, we discuss seven examples of ways you can start creating a systemic change plan.

1. Develop a case for change: This strategy includes using fact-based information to help those involved better understand key issues and their impacts. Identifying issues hel[ps to create buy-in and commitment from stakeholders such as legislators or executives.
2. Spread the word: Raising awareness about important issues is a critical component of creating a systemic change plan because it generates awareness and support. This can foster better understanding of proposed changes to initiative transformation.
3. Collaborate: Collaboration is critical to developing a a systemic change plan because it helps diverse perspectives, expertise resources to come together. Including a group of stakeholders from different backgrounds and skill sets to foster a sense of shared responsibility which can make a plan more comprehensive. In addition, it also promotes collective problem-solving & increases the likelihood of successful implementation.
4. Create and grow innovations: Building and scaling innovations is an integral component of a systemic change plan for several reasons. Innovations often help initiate transformative shifts by introducing new solutions to longstanding issues. Taking measures to ensure these innovative solutions grow ensures their long-term impact.
5. Offering incentives: Offering incentives plays a crucial role in creating a a successful change plan. Incentives provide motivation and guidance for stakeholders who are experts within the transformation.
6. Positively adjust the culture: While it may be easier said than done, it is important to make every effort to shift culture if positive systemic change is required. By fostering a culture that promotes innovation and adaptability, individuals are more likely to embrace change. Doing so can help create a solid foundation for long-term transformation.
7. Develop rules and standards: Creating rules and standards is a crucial component of developing a systemic change plan because it creates clear guidelines for everyone involved. In addition, they help to encourage consistency in actions across the system, which fosters a sense of accountability.

Extracted by Barrie Oxtoby: 1^st October 2024

UNA-UK condemns the heinous attack carried out by Hamas in Southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 200 people taken hostage; atrocities that constitute a war crime.  We also condemn the appalling and indiscriminate nature of the response by the Israeli Government and call on the UK and its allies to use all tools available to halt the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. We echo our previous calls urging the UK to use all tools to protect civilians in Gaza, including by implementing export restrictions following surges in violence in 2021 and 2014.

Since declaring a “state of war” eight weeks ago, the Israeli military has dropped more than 25,000 tons of explosives on the Gaza Strip – equivalent to two nuclear bombs – according to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has raised alarm at the “unparalleled and unprecedented” killing of civilians in Gaza. According to reports from health authorities run by the Hamas administration, more than 17,000 civilians have been killed in Gaza since 7 October, including over 7,000 Palestinian children.

The scale and indiscriminate nature of the violence in densely populated areas has been unprecedented in recent decades; hospitals, UNRWA schools, refugee camps, religious sites, key infrastructure and 45% of civilian homes in Gaza have been bombarded by Israelis Defence Forces. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has stressed the overt disregard for civilian lives stating, “the large number of UNRWA facilities hit and the number of civilians killed cannot just be “collateral damage”.

While UNA-UK continues to call for an immediate ceasefire to halt the killing of civilians and avert a humanitarian catastrophe, it is also essential that steps are taken to reduce the flow of arms into the area. The UK has a longstanding and vast arms export relationship with Israel. The UK has stated that it will continue to arm Israel while simultaneously attempting to downplay the level of support given. UK Secretary of Defence Grant Shapps recently claimed that defence exports to Israel are “relatively small” at £42 million in 2022, and that “they go through a very strict criteria before anything is exported.” This is a concerning mischaracterisation since it fails to incorporate arms exported through the UK Government’s secretive Open General Export Licences – a category of export licence UNA-UK has consistently called to be scrapped.  

Research suggests that the UK has exported at least half a billion in export licences to Israel over the past decade. Around 15% of the value of each of Israel’s F-35 combat aircraft is produced in the UK – aircraft that are being heavily used in Israel’s bombing campaign on Gaza. Even within the more transparent licences issued there is significant cause for concern. For example, in 2021 the UK granted export licences worth £9 million for unmanned air vehicles, military aero-engines, and related equipment and components. UNA-UK is dismayed at the UK’s position and characterisation with respect to its arms sales to Israel and calls on the Government to reconsider its stance.

In 2014, in response to concerns over Israeli forces operating in Gaza, the then coalition Government  implied that the decision to continue authorising licences to Israel was finely balanced. In a press release following the worst of the violence, the Government stated that “in the event of a resumption of significant hostilities” that the UK would “suspend licences [for equipment which could be used in Gaza]”.

The magnitude and human cost of current Israeli operations undoubtedly represents a resumption of significant hostilities, raising serious questions about the objectivity and rigour of the UK’s export control system.

Hamas is designated a proscribed terrorist group by the UK and does not receive authorised UK arms transfers. Any actors supplying Hamas with military support risk being complicit in war crimes.

Last year UNA-UK commended the UK for joining 82 states in endorsing a political declaration committing to action to avoid civilian harm from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Endorsing states have committed to take action by making changes to their national policy and practice and promoting stronger standards. As Israel’s military forces continue to commit widespread abuses that contravene international law, we call on the UK – as well as fellow endorsing states – to urgently live up to their commitments under this declaration, as well as those enshrined in the Arms Trade Treaty and the UK’s corresponding domestic legislation.

The UK must do all in its power to stop the flow of arms which may be used in this conflict, including through an immediate suspension of exports to Israel. A failure to do so not only suggests UK complicity for the appalling humanitarian situation unfolding, but also indicates the absence of a joined up foreign policy, leaving civilians to pay the cost.

Read more:

• UNA-UK statement on the devastating violence in Gaza and Israel
• Open call for a #CeasefireNOW
• Statement in support of the UN Secretary-General from former British senior officials
• UNA-UK statement commending commitment to address the use of explosive weapons in populated areas
• Read Human Rights Watch’s call for an arms embargo
• UK Working Group on Arms 2014 call for full arms embargoes on Hamas and Israel

Marissa Conway, UNA-UK CEO

It has long been clear that any serious commitment to keeping global warming below 1.5°C must go hand in hand with a commitment to phasing out fossil fuels entirely. After decades of negotiations, we have for the first time a COP that has delivered an outcome where countries agree to transition away from fossil fuels. While this significant step signals a change in ambition that has long been overdue, it is disappointing that the full phase out of coal, oil and gas fell short of consensus.

Concerningly, this outcome document provides no plan to fully finance a fair and just transition. Once again, major polluting powers have thwarted substantial commitments to pay up, leaving the most climate-vulnerable and least responsible states exposed at the frontline of the environmental crisis.

The science is clear. The ethics are clear. The solutions are clear. To meet the Paris Agreement’s commitments and protect people and the planet from damage caused by the climate crisis, we need political leaders motivated by morals, not money and power.

It is profoundly disappointing that British climate minister Graham Stuart left COP28 during the negotiations to return to the United Kingdom and vote on the Government’s new Rwanda Bill in a bid for short-term political gain. We need leaders who take the long-term health of the planet and its people seriously.

With an unprecedented number of fossil fuel lobbyists in attendance, as well as the CEO of an oil company serving as president, COP28 became a playground for oil and gas actors to plant the seeds of climate disinformation and denial. Next year’s COP will be hosted by Azerbaijan, a state which receives two-thirds of its revenue from oil and gas. A growing and deeply troubling trend of special interest influence is emerging, threatening the integrity of COP and the ability to make global progress on the climate crisis, ultimately leaving communities that bear the brunt of climate change vulnerable.

I applaud civil society representatives and frontline activists who refuse to back down in the face of this power imbalance. Despite persistent and unacceptable barriers to access, they show at COP and up every day after to bring solutions that meet the scale of this crisis.

At this crucial juncture, where the actions of today shape the legacy of tomorrow, global leadership must align with the urgent, moral imperative to safeguard our planet and its inhabitants for generations to come. The work towards COP29 begins now.

https://una.org.uk/get-involved/learn-and-teach/international-days/introduction/supporting-curriculum 

https://una.org.uk/key-stage-2-england 

https://una.org.uk/get-involved/learn-and-teach/international-days/supporting-curriculum/england-curriculum-links 

https://una.org.uk/get-involved/learn-and-teach 

UNA-UK calls on the UK and its allies to use all tools available to halt the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

More than two weeks of devastating violence has resulted in civilian casualties of an unconscionable scale – we echo the message from the UN Secretary-General: nothing can justify the atrocities carried out by Hamas on 7 October, and nothing can justify Israel’s collective punishment of Palestinian civilians.

We urge the UK and its allies to recognise the catastrophe unfolding and implore them to pursue every route available to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. As the dire situation worsens, we demand member states heed the call from the UN Secretary-General and implore all parties to uphold and respect international humanitarian law, to take care to spare civilians when conducting military operations, and to respect and protect hospitals and the inviolability of UN facilities.

UNA-UK unequivocally condemns the heinous attack carried out by Hamas in Southern Israel in which 1,400 Israelis were killed and over 200 people taken hostage, atrocities that constitute a war crime. It cannot be disputed that Israel has a right to defend itself, nevertheless war must be fought according to international humanitarian law. We are equally unequivocal therefore, that these horrific acts cannot justify Israel’s disproportionate and indiscriminate response against Palestinians which, according to UN experts, is resulting in crimes against humanity. More than 6,500 civilians in Gaza have been killed since Israel launched its response.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has a mandate to investigate any and all alleged atrocities committed by different parties, starting with the instigating atrocities of Hamas. We urge the UK to make this clear in their public statements, and call on them to reaffirm the role and jurisdiction of the ICC Prosecutor to pursue justice and accountability for these crimes.

Today, the international community’s priority must be the preservation of human life above all else. According to the UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) – currently the largest humanitarian provider in Gaza – “an unprecedented catastrophe is unfolding before our eyes”.

Israel’s aerial bombardments of the Gaza Strip have razed large areas to the ground and have resulted in 1.4 million Gazans being internally displaced. In tandem Israel has tightened the 16 year siege to the enclave by cutting off access to water, electricity, medicine, fuel and other basic needs. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted that the imposition of sieges that endanger civilian lives are prohibited under international humanitarian law (IHL), and UN experts have raised serious concerns that forcible population transfers are a violation of IHL and criminal law.

While UNA-UK welcomes the recent breakthroughs that have allowed for aid convoys to pass through the Rafah crossing to deliver essential food, water and medicine, this delivery is equivalent to roughly four percent of the daily average that entered Gaza prior to hostilities. It is clear this does not meet the scale of humanitarian needs that are worsening by the day. Critically, these convoys have not brought in fuel to Gaza and it has been reported that UNRWA is expected to imminently exhaust its remaining fuel reserves – without which aid operations, clean drinking water and hospitals will be shut off.

The UK and its allies must leverage their influence to preserve humanity, respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding and ensure that all parties comply with the laws of war. We were dismayed by the United States’ decision last week to veto a UN Security Council resolution that would have condemned Hamas, enabled urgently needed action to ensure vital humanitarian aid and essential services reach people, issued a call for all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, and demanded the release of hostages. While the UK chose to abstain, we commend Brazil’s efforts in leading on this text that secured 12 Council members votes in favour.

Inevitably that decision has led to further back and forth in the Security Council, while the task of passing a resolution has moved over to the UN General Assembly. The tenth Emergency Special Session on the “Question of Palestine” will convene on Thursday 26 October, following a request to the President of the General Assembly from the Chairs of the Arab Group and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation.

Civilians in Gaza cannot wait. An immediate ceasefire must urgently be secured and all parties must unconditionally:

1. Facilitate the delivery of lifesaving assistance, including food, medical supplies, fuel, and the resumption of electricity and internet to Gaza, in addition to safe passage of humanitarian and medical staff
2. Free all civilian hostages, especially children and those with underlying health conditions
3. Allow humanitarian convoys to reach UN facilities, schools, hospitals, and health facilities in northern Gaza and commit to protecting them along with the civilians and staff inside them at all times
4. Rescind orders by the Government of Israel for civilians to depart northern Gaza
5. Allow patients in critical condition to be medically evacuated for urgent care

All states have a responsibility to protect civilians. UNA-UK believes the UK has a special responsibility – as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, former colonial power in the region, and the world’s second-largest arms exporter – including at least half a billion in export licences to Israel over the past decade. It is thought that around 15% of the value of each of Israel’s F-35 combat aircraft is produced in the UK. The aircraft are being heavily used in Israel’s bombing campaign on Gaza.

UNA-UK is deeply concerned that earlier statements, from both the UK government and members of the opposition, of unconditional support for Israel have provided a carte blanche for the disproportionate devastation and destruction of Gaza. Israel’s own experience of counterterrorism campaigns of recent decades tells us that such retaliation, far from making Israel safer, will only perpetuate a cycle which will lead to the death of more Israelis, as well as Palestinians, and ultimately only benefits the arms industry.

Last year UNA-UK commended the UK for joining 82 states in endorsing a political declaration committing to action to avoid civilian harm from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas – the leading cause of civilian casualties in armed conflict. Endorsing states have committed to take action by making changes to their national policy and practice and promoting stronger standards. The UK should live up to this declaration by calling for an immediate cessation of bombing in what is one of the most heavily populated territories on earth. A failure to do so suggests the absence of a joined up and consistent foreign policy. It diminishes the project to protect civilians by failing to put a well-established principle into practice. Palestine has signed the declaration but Israel has not.

This ongoing cycle of violence need not be inevitable, and we urge the UK and its allies to pursue diplomatic routes to stem the tide of violence and recognise that escalating militarism risks intensifying unacceptable human suffering and is a recipe for catastrophic wider conflict in the region.

We urge the UK to immediately:

• Take action to save lives and secure a humanitarian ceasefire
• Unequivocally call for all parties to abide by international humanitarian and human rights law
• Work across regional groups in the General Assembly for action focused statements to prevent further atrocities
• Vocally champion COI and ICC investigations, calling for unhindered access for investigators in all instances
• Answer the appeals for funding from UNRWA
• Suspend arms export licences to Israel relevant to current hostilities

This statement reflects the position of UNA-UK staff.

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At present, it is hard to bring up a list of upcoming senior appointments to leadership positions at the UN. When impending appointments by the Secretary-General are advertised, information tends to be thin on the ground and not available in a timely manner on the UN’s website. Information regarding posts which are elected – while more readily available – is difficult to find and often incomplete, inconsistent, and unconsolidated.

The newsletter and its accompanying website bring together publicly available information to paint a picture of upcoming senior appointment processes. It will assess the gaps in public information as well as political dynamics and consider what this means for vetting, transparency, inclusivity, and effectiveness at the UN with a specific focus on gender and global north/south balance.

UNA-UK has teamed up with Strategy for Humanity to form a working group advocating for greater transparency and accountability at the UN. We are interested in process, transparency and accountability and do not take positions on individual candidates, internally or otherwise.

Read more about Blue Smoke

The Blue Smoke February newsletter’s title is: “It would be useless to suggest a non-American”. This comes from a quote provided from a senior UN figure in response to a question about who is standing to be the next World Food Programme Executive Director.

This edition takes a look at exactly which Americans are in the running to replace David Beasley, who’s in the race for the top post at the International Organisation of Migration, and whether we can expect the 78th President of the General Assembly to be the 74th man to hold the post.

This issue also gives you an overview of what you can expect from future newsletters, as well as what you might have missed, and ways to get in touch if you have any hot tips on upcoming vacancies in senior posts at the UN.

To read the newsletter in full visit the Blue Smoke blog