The United Nations is bringing together a group of experts to look at reforming the global economic system following the chaos that taken hold of the world’s economy.

The formation of a High Level Task force highlights that this global problem needs a global solution, as recognised by the United Nations General Assembly President Miguel D’Escoto who claimed “the current turmoil in the financial system cannot be solved through piecemeal responses at the national and regional levels but requires a coordinated effort at the global level.”

D’escoto also said that a voice needs to be given to those who “suffer the consequences of the decisions that have not been made by them.” The financial crisis is stark evidence of how decisions taken by a just a few can have disastrous consequences on many people, even those living in countries far away from the decision-makers. The United Nations offers a unique opportunity to allow the governments of nearly every country in the world to have a say in decision-making. However whilst governments can get their voices heard, they do not always represent the people of their countries. Individuals do not have a say in decisions made at the global level.

The Influx project allows individuals to become involved in the United Nations and global decision making process. The Influx Rating system measures the commitment of individuals from different countries to improving the efforts of the UN, regardless of the position of their governments.

A recent UN report stated that by 2010 1.8 billion people (almost 30% of world population) will have Internet access and currently only 3 of the UN’s 192 member nations were considered to be not online.

As the Influx Project measures registration of UN support only as a proportion of people who bank online in each country it is able to compare relative support for the UN fairly between countries of all shapes, orientation and stages of development.

Rating support for the UN is a vital first step towards improving the UN as it can only be as good as the willingness people have for it to succeed in its goals. Ratings cut through idle promises, revealing which countries really are in support of a stronger UN.