Statement by representative of the Russian Federation Ms. E.Melnik at the Annual session of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board
M-me President,
M-me Executive Director,
We thank you for the comprehensive report on the activities of UNFPA in 2020 and on the plans regarding the Strategic Plan 2022-2025. First of all, we would like to commend the dedication of UNFPA staff during that devastating year and tireless efforts to help people cope with the effects of the pandemic. We particularly noted a number of following impressive results: 160.000 maternal deaths averted, 1.9 mln. safe births assisted in humanitarian settings, 478.000 thousand workers trained. We also welcome UNFPA’s active work on ageing as well the examples innovations work are also welcomed, such as electronic vouchers for pregnant women in Syria and platforms for children with disabilities.
M-me President,
We would like to separately stress that thanks to UNFPA’s support 73% of population scheduled to be counted in 2020 was counted as well tracker to measure the impact of covid-19 on censuses was introduced. We are convinced that this work is crucial, since quality knowledge on population trends helps governments make informed decisions on the necessary development strategies. And we very much appreciate that UNFPA continued this work amidst the pandemic. Russia is a strong supporter of UNFPA’s work on demographic statistics. We would like to mention our biggest project with UNFPA in this area called “Better data for better policies” in CIS countries. This important regional initiative is aimed at boosting national capacities to collect, disseminate and use the demographic data in policy development and planning, bringing together 9 countries and 4 implementing partners.
M-me President,
We welcome UNFPA’s transparent consultations with Governments while elaborating the Strategic Plan. We believe that the final text should contain UN-agreed language and avoid sensitive non-agreed formulations as well as take into account the different national legislation and cultural backgrounds, capacities and levels of development, and respecting national policy space.
Thank you.
