A group of former United Nations officials, frustrated by the organization's perceived inefficiencies, have initiated "DOGE-UN," an investigative project aimed at exposing wasteful spending within the world body. This initiative, drawing inspiration from Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will produce a comprehensive online report before the 2026 Secretary-General selection. The goal is to influence the next UN leader to prioritize operational efficiency.

Hugh Dugan, a former member of the U.S. delegation to the UN and a National Security Council advisor, emphasized the importance of extending scrutiny beyond national agencies to international organizations like the UN. He stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability regarding the flow of funds to the UN and the outcomes achieved.

Dugan, collaborating with former presidents of the UN General Assembly, has assembled a team of experienced individuals to pinpoint areas where the UN falls short of its mission and where funds are misallocated. He criticized the UN's focus on outputs (e.g., number of meetings) rather than outcomes (e.g., achieving peace in conflict zones).

The project will critically assess the UN's effectiveness and its alignment with U.S. interests. Dugan highlighted the limitations of the UN's internal oversight, contrasting it with the independent inspector general system used by other government agencies. He cited a recent case of a former UN official being ordered to repay $59 million in mismanaged funds as a rare example of accountability.

Dugan also referenced past scandals, such as the oil-for-food program, to underscore the need for greater transparency and reform. He expressed hope that the DOGE-UN report would shed light on the UN's inner workings and promote meaningful change.

The U.S. contributes significantly to the UN budget, with President Biden having increased funding from $11.6 billion in 2020 to $18.1 billion in 2022. This substantial financial contribution provides leverage for the U.S. to influence UN policy and potentially withhold funds if necessary. The upcoming election of a new Secretary-General in 2026, during which the U.S. holds veto power, further amplifies American influence.

The U.S. also plays a major role in funding UN aid programs. In 2022, it provided substantial contributions to organizations like the World Food Programme, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and others. Dugan noted that the DOGE-UN report would also address concerns about China's growing influence within the UN and potential diversion of aid.

The DOGE-UN initiative mirrors Musk and Ramaswamy's broader efforts to reform government spending and streamline regulations, as outlined in their Wall Street Journal op-ed.