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Thank you for giving me the floor madam Chairperson, Ambassador Brandt. I deliver this statement on behalf of the EU as a donor.  We would like to welcome Acting Executive Director UNOPS, Jens Wandel, and we thank him for taking up this role in these challenging times. We thank him for his presentation delivered today.

The European Union values the long-standing partnership with UNOPS in project implementation at the local level in the common endeavour to support partner countries in achieving the SDGs.

The European Union however expresses serious concern about the reported irregularities, including weaknesses in oversight and loss of funds in S3i projects.

In this regard, the EU insists that all measures are taken to recover the funds; that individual responsibilities are clearly established; and that appropriate legal procedures are launched. We furthermore like to take this opportunity to underscore the importance of whistle-blower protection.

Like others, the EU is currently taking an internal look at its contractual relationships with UNOPS, as clarity and reassurance on the protection of EU funds managed by UNOPS is important. At the same time, I would also like to stress here that there is no hasty termination of programmes, which would come at the expense of beneficiaries.

We are dealing with a delicate matter. It is of the utmost importance to get to the bottom of the case. It has already become clear that reforms are needed.

The EU is here to support the Acting Executive Director. It is in the interest of all of us that UNOPS surmounts this very serious matter.

We are looking forward to the adoption of the Decision on the matter on June 10 as an important first step in the right direction.

Let me close by emphasizing that the COVID-19 pandemic may have jeopardized global progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The EU remains committed to multilateralism and cooperation with the UN agencies and we will continue to be firm in our commitment to the 2030 Agenda as our roadmap to ensure that no one is left behind and that the world will be better equipped to weather systemic shocks in future.

Thank you Ambassador Brandt.