To orchestrate harmony in development aspirations.

During the RCO Retreat in June this year, UN Resident Coordinator Themba Kalua creatively introduced the concept of harmony. 

He used a TED Talk by Itay Talgam that featured various orchestra performances led by some of the world's greatest conductors,  setting the tone and energy of the Retreat.

The orchestral performances might not have been everyone's vibe of music, but they were captivating. 

By paying close attention, the true lesson of the show and the intention gradually emerged.

Observing the conductors’ hand movements, body language, and facial expressions, it became clear that each conductor had a distinct style of leading the orchestra. 

They intervened when necessary and encouraged the musicians, ensuring a stellar performance. With their instruments and unique talents, the musicians created stunning symphonies in unison, uplifting the audience and making them an integral part of the performance.

These performances portrayed the beauty of harmony, demonstrating the strength of a conductor's guidance and the cooperative spirit of the musicians. 

But at the core of this harmony is trust, which bridges the conductor's guidance and the musicians' cooperative spirits, empowering them to perform in harmony.

The lesson from the orchestra for the RCO is that achieving harmony in the performance of all its functions requires a blend of strong leadership and collaborative teamwork underpinned by mutual trust.

While the RCO's functions are technical rather than musical, the principle of harmony is essential.

Just as orchestras depend on the conductor's direction and the musicians' teamwork, harmony in the RCO's functions means coordinating and aligning diverse UN resources, expertise, systems, and stakeholders to work together effectively in supporting the sustainable development goals of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau. 

To achieve this harmony amongst the UN organisations, the RCO must demonstrate strong leadership in strategic planning, in conducting social and economic analyses, in enhancing partnerships and resource mobilization, in coordinating data and results management and engaging in communications and advocacy.

As demonstrated in the show, the conductors had to address distractions and minor challenges, much like the RCO will encounter. 

However, there is now an understanding, that by demonstrating resilience in leadership and cooperative spirits, and by embracing the principles of trust and harmony, the RCO can ensure that the diverse components of the UN system can work together smoothly, leading to success in leaving no one behind and making an impact in the lives of every person.