EU Statement - Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Regular Session: Statement by the UNOPS Executive Director

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Mr President, 

Mr Executive Director,

Excellencies,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union as a donor.

The European Union commends UNOPS for the progress achieved on the implementation of the Comprehensive Response Plan, and reaffirms our longstanding partnership in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The EU has always been and remains a reliable partner to the UN system.

We also reaffirm the important role of UNOPS as a service provider within the UN system. We appreciate its strengths in infrastructure, procurement, and project management, particularly in fragile and politically constrained contexts. UNOPS’ demand-driven and implementation-focused model is delivering impactful projects in challenging conditions, and we commend its commitment to this objective.

The EU welcomes the UN80 reform process and the proposed assessment of a merger of UNDP and UNOPS. A merger will ensure greater system-wide efficiencies but should keep the strengths and capabilities of each organisation. In particular, we hope that UNOPS’ operational characteristics can be safeguarded in whatever future configuration is decided.

While discussions unfold in New York on the future of UNOPS, operations on the ground must continue. The strategic alignment between UNOPS operations and the EU's Global Gateway investment strategy allows us to jointly advance the SDGs but also reinforces peace and security globally. We see considerable opportunities for continued collaboration between UNOPS and the EU, especially within Global Gateway priority sectors such as infrastructure, and we encourage ongoing synergy to achieve our shared objectives.

Furthermore, we underscore the critical importance of UNOPS maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability in its operations. This aligns with EU Member States' ongoing calls for strengthened performance across all facets of UNOPS’ work.

Lastly, we assure you of the EU's steadfast support for multilateralism. Our strategic engagement is focused on partners that align with the Global Gateway priorities and provide tangible impact. This reflects our commitment to driving sustainable and inclusive development worldwide.

Executive Director,

Let me take this opportunity to thank all UNOPS staff for the very important work they do in difficult situations, and to reaffirm the EU’s support to UNOPS, as well as our commitment to continued collaboration in pursuit of our shared goals.

Thank you.