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Statement 

Excellencies,

Distinguished Members of the Executive Boards,

Madame Executive Director,

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

In a time of multiple crises, multilateralism and human rights are as vital as ever and UNFPA plays a crucial role in advancing progress towards the implementation of the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda, in particular Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5. As an ally in both development and humanitarian contexts, the EU remains committed to UNFPA as a matter of interests as much as of principles, in line with our strong commitment to multilateralism. 

In light of recent developments, the EU would also like to recall the importance of upholding meaningful standards and consultation in the adoption of Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (SDCF). It is essential that these frameworks align not only with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, but also actively support progress towards the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As we have consistently emphasized in the context of UNDS reform and, more recently, in discussions on UN80, transparency must remain a cornerstone of the process, particularly with respect to the consultation and development of Framework Documents. In this regard, close cooperation and inclusive consultations, as outlined in the EU-UN Joint Guidance, are indispensable to ensuring both the effectiveness and legitimacy of SDCFs and DCPs. 

Executive Director,

Gender equality is at the core of the EU’s values and is a universal human right. We remain firmly committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). 

While the ICPD Programme of Action enjoys overall strong support, and significant progress has been made based on shared commitments, mutual strategic priorities, and partnerships, if we have learned anything from the last few years, it is that progress is also easily reversed. The increasing pushback against SRHR and the rights of women and girls is deeply concerning. 

Thankfully, your report for 2024 shows that UNFPA has crucial normative and programmatic roles to help make the ICPD Programme of Action a reality, and we welcome that the UNFPA will maintain SRHR at the center of its next Strategic Plan. 

We also welcome UNFPA’s commitment to UN reform, and strongly believe that SRHR should be firmly positioned within the wider UN - and global health system. The UN80 process is a transformative opportunity for a renewed multilateral architecture that is more effective, transparent, accountable, efficient, and results-driven. This requires aligning mandates and capacities, enhancing system-wide action and reducing overlaps. UNFPA should continue leveraging the power of collaboration with different stakeholders, including partner countries, civil society, communities, global health initiatives, the private sector, and development finance institutions. 

The scale and complexity of the current global needs require a collective response, in development and humanitarian settings. While the EU cannot fill the gap left by others, the EU has been and will continue to be a reliable and responsible partner, following a needs-based, rights-based and principled approach. 

Together, we are ensuring that the most vulnerable girls and women in humanitarian settings have access to sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health services and a timely medical response to gender-based violence.  The EU looks forward to continuing working with UNFPA, standing up for rights and choices for all. 

Thank you.