Statement by Dmitry Chumakov, Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, at the ECOSOC Operational Activities Segment
M-me President,
We would first like to thank the Secretary-General for the report on the implementation of the QCPR resolution. COVID-19 is a strong test to UN system’s ability to deliver together. We believe that the current mechanism of country-level COVID-19 response coordinated by RCs with support of the WHO, OCHA and UNDP gives powerful reinforcement to national efforts to fight the pandemic. We would also like to take this opportunity to support the call to waive unilateral sanctions by the SG & other UN officials in the context of this global pandemic andto embark on the path to social solidarity.
M-me President,
Moving directly to operational activities, we would like to express our overall satisfaction with positive feedback on the reform by Governments. The UNDS is becoming more relevant to countries’ development needs. The new Cooperation Frameworks deriving from national development strategies also receive positive assessments. However those Frameworks are expected to result in the “reconfiguration of UN country teams”. Can’t such reconfiguration have counterproductive results in case some agencies have to limit or reduce their physical presence? Even though the RCO and MCO offices are being strengthened, it is difficult to imagine that a stronger coordination can substitute for direct operational activities.
M-me President,
We commend Secretary-General’s leadership in carrying out ECOSOC resolution 2019/15 that among other things called for inclusive, intergovernmental consultations for the finalization and implementation of the regional review of the reform, on a region-by-region basis. Consultations that took place over the past yearwere indeed extensive and region specific. Now we are satisfied with the regional architecture as presented, but we have to closely follow-up the way it will work in practice.
M-me President,
The report mentions a number of new initiatives from the System-wide Evaluation Office to Peace and conflict Sensitivity Network. We would like to hear more information on the scope and mandate of the proposed initiatives.
We are looking forward to forthcoming discussions that will lay foundation for QCPR negotiations.
Thank you!
