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EU Statement - Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Regular Session: UN80 Initiative

02.02.2026
New York

2 February 2025, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union as a Donor at the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Regular Session: Item 3: Engagement with UN80 Initiative

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President,

Deputy-Secretary General

Administrator and Executive Directors,
Excellencies,

 

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

The European Union welcomes the developments under the UN80 initiative, recognising its potential to make the UN development system more efficient, coherent and, above all, impactful. We commend the dedication shown by UN leadership in endorsing this initiative, advancing genuine reform, which must now translate into concrete and measurable results across the system. We need maximum ambition in its delivery.

In the context of ongoing deliberations, the EU, as one of the largest donors to the UN development system, regards the Executive Boards not just as governance bodies for individual agencies, but as pivotal architects of system-wide coherence. 

In that context, we would like to make 3 fundamental points:

  1. System-wide Coherence and Efficiency:

Changes should foster greater coherence across the UN system, not deepen fragmentation. There is a role to play for both the UN Secretariat and the Agencies but there should be   streamlining of normative and operational functions. We support a more integrated system on the ground, including through a “reset” of regional capacities and a reconfiguration of UN Country Teams that better combines expertise, coordination and cost-effectiveness. And this brings me to my second point.

  1. Empowerment and Coordination: We support reinforcing the role of Resident Coordinators with authority, resources, and performance indicators to lead integrated actions effectively. This of course implies also greater accountability of the RCs and therefore the question of increased governance and role of the UN membership is essential to address. It also implies system-wide Strategic Country Documents with transparent and effective oversight from main contributors, as well as common services and back offices.
  2. Mergers:
    As discussions advance regarding potential mergers, it is crucial that they are driven primarily by operational effectiveness and impact, with efficiency gains, including cost savings, as a positive and complementary outcome. The Executive Boards should ensure specificities of mandates, core objectives and operating models are preserved, and processes clearly mapped out before any possible consideration by the GA. Thorough assessments and transparent timelines are vital for effective decision-making. In addition, further proposal for consolidation of structures in light of the existing 42 entities of the UN Development System could be considered.

 

Colleagues,

Motivated by shared values grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and equal consideration of all three pillars, the EU looks forward to engaging constructively, identifying solutions that strengthen accountability, transparency and results to achieve the sustainable development goals. 

Thank you.