EU Statement: Second Regular Session of the of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS: UNOPS Segment Item 11
Mr. President, Mr. Executive Director, Excellencies, dear Colleagues,
I am delivering this statement on behalf of the European Union as a donor.
The EU commends UNOPS for the progress achieved and reaffirms our longstanding partnership in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome the presentation of the Strategic Plan and Results Framework for 2026–2029.
In the context of the UN80 reform agenda, we value UNOPS’ ambition to scale up and accelerate as a demand-driven and agile partner. At the same time, we are concerned that the eight proposed “missions” may lack focus. Some, like the triple planetary crisis, are overly broad, while others, like SIDS, describe challenging contexts rather than priorities.
We would have welcomed a clearer articulation of how UNOPS will deploy its expertise most effectively under UN80. While the plan rightly highlights UNOPS’ potential to connect public and private actors, modalities for PPPs, risk-sharing, and leveraging private capital remain underdeveloped.
Looking ahead, and in the roll-out of the Strategy, we see the following as presenting most potential for the EU and partners.
First, efficiency and system leadership. UNOPS should lead by example, focusing on its comparative advantages, strengthening partnership-based delivery models, and contributing to system-wide efficiencies.
Second, focus on sustainable infrastructure and enabling environments. UNOPS’ efforts, as illustrated by its work under the Global Gateway with the EU and Team Europe, such as in South Sudan and Sierra Leone, demonstrate its ability to deliver impact. Beyond implementation, its role as a neutral facilitator, scaling up capacity through advisory services and partnerships, is increasingly essential.
Third, addressing fragility, conflict, and political complexity. Our collaboration in Myanmar, Afghanistan, Gaza, Yemen or Ukraine highlights UNOPS' vital role in enabling smart investments in challenging contexts.
On the 2026–2027 budget, we take note of the proposed estimates and the shift to a results-based budgeting approach. We encourage UNOPS to ensure that transparency, efficiency, and value for money remain central in resource allocation.
Mr. President, Mr. Executive Director, the EU has stood by UNOPS in difficult moments in the past years. While we do expect focus, we reiterate our support for its future oriented journey and look forward to this new phase of partnership.
Thank you.