United Nations Working Group on Archives and Records Management (WGARM)
WGARM aims to promote and develop records and archives management programmes across the UN system by sharing information and through collaboration. In addition, WGARM advocates inclusion of recordkeeping and archives requirements and standards in information and communication technology initiatives and in information management efforts.

WGARM has been active since the Secretary-General's Reform initiative of 1997. More recently the group has been supported by the Common Services Task Force. Members include representatives from all New-York based UN system offices: Secretariat departments, UNICEF, UN Office of Project Services, UN Development Programme and the UN Fund for Population Activities. Observer status participation by all UN system offices is encouraged.

WGARM has conducted collaborative projects related to records appraisal (retention policy) and strategic planning for digital archives development. WGARM also operates a web-based clearing-house of information and resources for use by members and participants.

For more information contact: arms@un.org


United Nations Enterprise Content Management Project (ECM)
The Secretariat is now planning implementation of an Enterprise Content Management system to support information management and knowledge sharing through a single, integrated, secure and comprehensive system for all types of information. The system will provide electronic document management, workflow, web content management, web portal, records and archive management, digital asset management and collaboration functionalities.

ARMS is providing recordkeeping expertise to this broad, collaborative effort to ensure that the system meets UN and best practice recordkeeping standards. In particular, ARMS will oversee development of appropriate retention schedules and related function-based taxonomies.

In the lead up to rollout staff from a range of the stakeholder groups took part in a two-day preparedness workshop delivered by Center for Technology in Government. View the Powerpoint presentations for Day 1 and Day 2 by clicking the links.


Reform: Improved access to United Nations information
The outline of the Secretary-General's February 2006 management reform report includes actions designed to align administrative processes with best practices in matters of accountability and transparency. With direct relevance to ARMS is the objective to improve access to UN information.

To support improved access, ARMS is assessing:

  • current policies for access to UN records
  • practices for applying security classifications to UN records to ensure uniform restrictions on access to information and to facilitate the declassification process
  • and requirements for implementing an information disclosure programme in the Secretariat