Statement by Dmitry Chumakov, Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, at the second regular session of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS
Mr. President, dear colleagues,
Russia appreciates the level of cooperation with UNDP and the thematic scope of our projects focused mainly on the promotion of socio-economic development of partner countries. We are grateful for the update on UNDP’s work with governments on preparing the assessments of impact of COVID-19 and facilitating their recovery. We took note with appreciation of the projects related to creating jobs, securing social benefits and bridging digital divide. We believe that UNDP should keep leading by example of implementing operational and results-oriented projects.
Poverty eradication and development assistance should remain at the core of UNDPs work. As the Administrator rightly mentioned, problems that have been exacerbated with COVID-19 existed for years and it is in our hands as international community to unite our forces and find ways to pull the world out of crisis. One of the main principles that should guide is adherence to the SDGs and their integral character.
Mr. President,
The report on Structured funding dialogue mentions that in 2019 UNDP streamlined 150 business processes and saved around 18 mln. dollars, as well as balanced its institutional budget for the third consecutive year. We welcome this trend and commend UNDP’s efforts of increasing the efficiency of its work.
As for the UNDS reform we are concerned that as a result of some processes UNDP was deprived of direct access to key partners in its mandated areas. We are sure that such situations are detrimental to the united development activities and we are willing to engage in finding ways to prevent this from happening in future.
Mr. President,
One of UNDP’s strong advantages is that it has a wide and diverse donor and partner base. In this regard we would like to urge UNDP to broaden its cooperation with international financial institutions, including the World Bank Group for the benefit of countries in conflict situations.
Mr. President,
Russia is determined to take part in the preparations of the next Strategic plan which should be balanced and based on UNDP’s core mandate.
Thank you for your attention.
