The UN General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution on mandate creation, implementation and review, as part of reform efforts to make the United Nations more efficient and effective.

The resolution was adopted by a recorded vote of 168 in favor, 4 against and no abstentions. Belarus, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Nicaragua and Russia voted against the resolution.

Under the terms of the resolution, the General Assembly agreed on a set of principles to guide the creation, implementation and review of all UN mandates.

"The resolution adopted today reflects a shared understanding of the full mandate lifecycle and a commitment to strengthen each step of it," bringing "greater discipline, coherence and transparency to the creation of mandates," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Guterres said the process encourages "clearer, more focused mandates" and reinforces a culture of continuous improvement grounded in evidence, accountability and results.

"This is a major step. But it is only the beginning," he said.

(Cover: A file photo of a United Nations flag. /VCG)