EU Statement - Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS: Interactive Dialogue with UNDP Administrator

EU Statement - Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS: Interactive Dialogue with UNDP Administrator

10 June 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union as a Donor at the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Interactive Dialogue with the UNDP Administrator

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Dear Administrator, Excellencies, Colleagues,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the European Union as a donor.

We would like to thank the Administrator for his statement. The EU, as a longstanding partner and one of UNDP's largest donors, reaffirms our commitment to a strong, effective, and reform-oriented UN development system.

We would have three points.

First, we strongly support the UN80 process and see it as a unique opportunity to strengthen the UN for the future. The EU is advocating for maximum ambition in this process. We believe it should deliver meaningful and lasting improvements in effectiveness, efficiency, coordination and impact across the UN system. To succeed, the process must be guided by transparency, inclusivity and evidence-based decision-making, with a clear focus on delivering better results for partner countries.

In that context, the EU welcomes UNDP's continued leadership within the UN development system and its commitment to advancing reform efforts. We appreciate UNDP's engagement in these discussions and encourage the organisation to continue playing a constructive and forward-looking role. As one of the largest operational entities in the UN system, UNDP has a particular responsibility and opportunity to help shape a stronger and more coherent UN development architecture.

We notably continue to support a more integrated and coordinated UN presence at country level. As we discussed last week in OAS, effective implementation of the One UN approach, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, is essential to reducing fragmentation and maximising collective impact - and we look forward to UNDP's commitment to its implementation.

Second, what distinguishes UNDP, and what the EU particularly values, is its unparalleled capacity to deliver a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to development. Whether through institutional strengthening in fragile states, bridging the gap between humanitarian response and long-term development in post-conflict settings, or creating the enabling conditions necessary to attract private-sector financing, UNDP operates in spaces where few others can. Last year alone, over half of UNDP's expenditure was directed toward fragile and crisis-affected contexts, reaching millions of people in some of the world's most challenging environments. This is not merely assistance; it is an investment in stability, resilience, and sustainable recovery.

This aligns closely with the European Union's Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to mobilise sustainable investment in partner countries by strengthening governance, regulatory frameworks, and institutional capacities.

We see tremendous potential to deepen our collaboration in these areas, particularly in de-risking investments, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring that financing reaches those who need it most.

Finally, we must also acknowledge the growing pressures facing the multilateral system. Strategic prioritisation has never been more important. The European Union encourages UNDP to focus on its unique strengths: its unmatched field presence in hard-to-reach areas, its deep expertise in post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding, and its ability to act as a convener and integrator not only within the UN system but also between governments, the private sector, and international financial institutions.

In that perspective, we would have the following questions:

• How do you intend to position UNDP within the evolving UN development system and what are your key priorities for the organisation in the coming years?

• How do you assess progress under the UN80 process to date, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for ambitious reform and improved system-wide effectiveness?

• How can UNDP further strengthen partnerships with the private sector and development finance institutions to help mobilise sustainable investment and support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?

In closing, the European Union reaffirms its strong support for UNDP and for a renewed, effective and ambitious multilateral system. We look forward to continuing our close partnership in addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Thank you.