Chair,
The day is finally here. We are set to start work on the QCPR. This QCPR will guide the UN development system on the last stretch of Agenda 2030. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that the UN is fit to deliver coherently and effectively for sustainable development.
So, what is our task from now until mid-November? Nothing less than providing the UN with the strongest tools possible to support countries to fight poverty, hunger, climate change, gender inequality and conflict. In short: A UN Development System that is fit for purpose.
Luckily, a lot is already in place. UN Development System reform, with an enhanced role of the Resident Coordinator as a key element and is starting to show results. The UN country teams are delivering better, and there is less overlap. The QCPR must consolidate these agreed reforms and give concrete guidance on areas where the system is still failing to walk the talk. It is particularly important to emphasize the country director’s role in aligning their organizations work with the intentions of the UN reform.
The support the UN is providing to the countries must be tailormade for each country’s need.
Chair,
I will stress four points in this regard:
First, we believe that the UN Development System should strengthen their work on food security, and food system transformation. With the overall aim of getting relevant parts of UN country teams involved in the work on food security within their mandate. Also, that this is reflected in the Cooperation Framework and Country Program Documents.
Second, we would like to see better cooperation between UN and the multilateral financial institutions, that build upon and mutually reinforce each other’s efforts, as well as more joint support to countries' domestic resource mobilization- including by helping to increase tax revenues.
Third, we want a stronger interaction between peacebuilding, long-term development, humanitarian aid, and other efforts to build resilience.
Fourth, the QCPR must also underline the UN Development Systems role in upholding agreed norms and standards and promote gender equality to leave no one behind.
Together we must implement the commitments in the new Funding Compact and secure predictable and flexible funding for the United Nations development system.
Chair,
Let me conclude by emphasizing that we look forward to working constructively with all colleagues. The Pact for the Future and the Financing for Development process should inspire us to equip the 2024 QCPR resolution with the decisive calls and commitments to accelerate implementation of the Agenda 2030.
Thank you