Mr. Jonathan Shrier
U.S. Deputy Representative to the UN Economic and Social Council
New York, New York
August 28, 2023
AS PREPARED
Thank you, Mr. President
Thank you, Dr. Kanem for your keen insight and comprehensive overview of UNFPA’s achievements. The United States appreciates UNFPA’s stewardship of the ICPD Programme of Action in advance of next year’s thirty-year review. We also welcome the chance to reflect on UNFPA’s institutional growth in recent years, notably the creation of its Humanitarian Response Division.
As the regional reviews for ICPD+30 commence, we look forward to UNFPA gathering the global community, in collaboration with the UN Population Division, for a robust dialogue. This will include the breadth of the ICPD, its potential to advance the 2030 Agenda, the progress to date, and the unfinished agenda that remains. With an enhanced focus on youth, gender, and the promise of leaving no one behind, governments, civil society, and youth must meaningfully participate in inclusive dialogues. These dialogues should elevate the leadership of women and girls in all their diversity and tackle entrenched inequalities.
Dr. Kanem, how will UNFPA champion an inclusive ICPD+30 and can you speak to the importance of expanding the ICPD dialogue?
Turning to UNFPA’s recent period of significant growth, we support UNFPA further developing its capacities to meet global challenges. Strengthening operational performance across its mandate needs to remain a dedicated priority. Intrinsic to that effort, we recognize that UNFPA’s exceptional staff are the backbone of its success. Additionally in light of this growth, we encourage UNFPA to continue coordinated implementation of key initiatives across all levels to ensure cohesion. Looking forward, the United States supports greater alignment between core financing and institutional prioritization areas like the Humanitarian Resource Division and protection from sexual abuse and exploitation (PSEA).
Dr. Kanem, how is UNFPA tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities which come with UNFPA’s institutional growth?
In closing, as we prepare for the 30th review, we note the importance of resiliency amid compounding and protracted crises. Quality health services are not provided in a vacuum, and we must persevere no matter the challenge. As we prepare for the year ahead, the United States looks forward to renewed focus and momentum on fostering normative change- and shaping an enabling environment that incorporates a social determinants of health lens that ultimately improves reproductive health outcomes.
Thank you.
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