STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR CARSTEN STAUR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF DENMARK TO THE UNITED NATIONS AT THE UNDP/UNFPA EXECUTIVE BOARD ON 19 JANUARY 2010 IN RESPONSE TO THE UNDP ADMINISTRATOR’S STATEMENT

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Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Administrator for her successful first nine months in office, and for her focus on the continued transformation process towards making UNDP an even more responsive and professional global actor. Despite the impact of the current economic crisis on the resource outlook for UNDP – and at the same time because of the great relevance of UNDP in this crisis – Ms. Clark and her staff have a pivotal role to play within the UN-System, and a role which calls for fresh and innovative thinking, emphasizing the relevance of the system – and of UNDP – in this crisis, and building on this to ground the UN even further at the centre of the international aid architecture. The rise of more limited groupings like G20; the renewed emphasis on regional and sub-regional organizations; the emerging reconfiguration of global structures, including in the field of climate change; all of that are issues which the UN has to navigate successfully. It’s a great challenge, but also a huge opportunity.

I had the privilege to address climate change last Friday, at the Joint Board, and shall therefore limit this intervention to a few issues: the MDG’s and crisis prevention and early recovery.

On the MDG’s, I would like to thank the Administrator for her efforts to strengthen UNDP’s focus on successfully implementing these global goals. We need a proactive approach and reenergized efforts, if 2010 – as the Secretary-General set out last Monday – shall indeed become the year in which the international community firmly commits to the final stretch to make the MDGs a reality.

The MDG High-Level Meeting in September represents a unique opportunity to strengthen political commitments and to reinforce collective action towards meeting the MDGs by 2015. It is our hope that UNDP will continue to exercise leadership in this field in terms of coordination, advocacy, new ideas, strategic thinking and actual delivery within the UN family, as well as in the broader international context.

A prerequisite for addressing the lack of progress in the attainment of certain MDGs is an understanding among the membership as well as among other international stakeholders that this is not the time for business as usual. The achievement of the MDGs will require an immense effort by all of us – and a significant amount of political will and even closer international cooperation. In our assessment, the recent economic, food and energy crisis have caused considerable setbacks in many countries with regard to poverty reduction. Denmark considers strong inclusive growth and improved employment opportunities of pivotal importance to get poverty alleviation back on track – not least on the African continent.

Growth generated by the private sector also means higher revenues and better possibilities to finance vital social services and infrastructure, thus making it possible to improve and sustain progress in health, food security and education and to reach sustainable results on other MDG targets as well. For growth to be stable and sustainable, the inclusion of young people and women are key. Young people, because they are the future of their countries and because the demographic trend bear witness to the problems which will arise, if they are not included. And women, because their increased participation in economic activities are needed to reduce poverty and achieve faster growth, not withstanding the importance of women’s empowerment with regard to education and health outcomes for their children.

With regard to crisis prevention and early recovery, UNDP, and BCPR in particular, is uniquely positioned to play a paramount role in the aftermath of crisis and in early recovery situations. Through its extensive presence in the field, and the key role it plays at country level, UNDP can provide the necessary bridge between humanitarian, and in some cases also peacekeeping, efforts and strategic long-term development and stability.

Denmark is looking forward to working with partners on the follow-up to the Secretary-General’s recommendations on peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict, and we will take an active part also in the upcoming review of the peacebuilding architecture. We hope that UNDP will do the same. Next week, I will have the opportunity to get a first-hand look at the activities of UNMIL, UNDP and other UN agencies in Liberia, which remains a successful example of the ability of a country to address poverty and despair in parallel with security concerns, reconciliation and the building of a legitimate state. Although not among the pilot countries, the experience of Liberia seems to reflect a genuine effort of the UN system to “Deliver as One”.

There seems to be numerous benefits of this joint UN-approach at country level – for the countries in question as well as for the efficiency of UN operations, whether undertaken by political missions or by funds and programs collectively and individually. As chair of the UNDG, the Administrator plays a pivotal role in the continued development of capacity to deliver as one at headquarters level as well as in the field, and we will provide you with all our support in this endeavor.

Finally, allow me to urge my fellow board members to remain aware of our collective responsibility to provide UNDP with the practical tools necessary to carry out its vast and vital mandate – and to give the organization the necessary breathing space to do so. I wish the Administrator, the Executive Board and UNDP a successful 2010 and look forward to continued cooperation in accomplishing our shared goals.

I thank you.