Courtney Nemroff
Acting Representative to the UN Economic and Social Council
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
February 2, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Madam President and Administrator Steiner. Thank you, Achim, for your review of UNDP’s work.
We are heartened to hear of UNDP’s efforts to help countries address the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and want to thank you for your leadership and the tireless efforts of UNDP staff worldwide who work in some of the most difficult environments.
As UNDP develops its 2022-25 Strategic Plan, I would like to highlight U.S. priorities. We believe it is important for UNDP to continue to focus on its core mandate of helping countries strengthen institutions and good governance, eradicate poverty, foster conflict prevention and recovery, and promote environmental sustainability. It should also continue to improve management practices to achieve greater transparency and accountability.
It is also important for the new Strategic Plan to take into account new trends, including the new Resident Coordinator system, the implications of COVID-19 for long-term approaches to development, and the need to address the pandemic’s socio-economic impact to meet developing countries’ recovery and development needs.
Regarding management and oversight, I would like to make a few remarks on the important issue of UNDP oversight of its implementation of Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects.
I would like to thank you and your senior management team for taking action to launch a comprehensive audit following the latest press reports, and for the candid discussions with donors on corrective actions.
We appreciate and urge your continued attention to this matter, particularly to address the audit and external review’s findings of structural weaknesses, potential staff wrongdoing, and the need to improve personnel management practices. We stand ready to work with you and the Board to address these issues to make UNDP into a stronger organization.
The Unites States is a strong supporter of UNDP and views it as a valuable partner in our collective efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity. Now more than ever UNDP has a vital role to play in the social and economic recovery and development of countries worldwide suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United States is firmly committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation, and we look forward to deepening our partnership with you in the coming months and years.
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