Check against delivery

Excellencies,

Mr Administrator,

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

Today, on behalf of the European Union, it is my profound privilege to extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Achim Steiner for his outstanding leadership as Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme since 2017.

The European Union is proud to be a close and longstanding partner of UNDP, promoting sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development worldwide in an ever-changing political landscape. Our collaboration has spanned nearly 140 countries, with joint initiatives totalling close to EUR 2 billion in areas such as crisis and fragility, governance, climate change, and sustainable energy. Together, we have worked to support access to clean energy for millions, develop sustainable finance solutions, and strengthen local economies and livelihoods in conflict-affected regions. 

Administrator, you have been at the core of expanding this relationship to achieve Agenda2030,  most recently engaging in a high-level Strategic Dialogue last year, which marked 20 years since the signature of the “Strategic Partnership Agreement” between our organisations. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to implement the Pact for the Future, including by strengthening our cooperation in line with the Global Gateway strategy,and the EU will remain a committed  supporter to the organisation. 

UNDP has been and remains indispensable in advancing sustainable development on the ground, delivering integrated development solutions tailored to specific country priorities. 

Nonetheless, we stress the importance of an effective and efficient UN system, including at country level. In this regard we support increased alignment, integration and collaboration among UN entities in line with the One UN approach and under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator. The European Union will remain a predictable, reliable, and credible partner and welcomes the UN80 initiative, to ensure that the UN remains effective, cost-efficient and responsive. We remain staunchly committed to multilateralism, the universal values of the UN Charter, and the rules-based international order.

Achim, throughout your tenure you have been an exemplary leader on sustainable development, climate resilience, promoting economic growth, and advocating for equality and the vulnerable across the world. 

As you conclude your term at UNDP, the European Union thanks you for your extraordinary dedication, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to a sustainable, just, and peaceful world. We look forward to building on the foundation that you have established, towards strengthening our relations with UNDP for the people and the planet.

Thank you.