SECOND COMMITTEE BEGINS CONSIDERATION OF TRAINING AND RESEARCH, MEDIUM-TERM PLAN AND OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT

17 October 1996

Press Release
GA/EF/2725

SECOND COMMITTEE BEGINS CONSIDERATION OF TRAINING AND RESEARCH, MEDIUM-TERM PLAN AND OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT

19961017 The Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) that 83 per cent of its core funds went to 50 countries that were the home to three-fourths of the world's extremely poor, as consideration of operational activities for development began this afternoon. Discussion also started on the Organization's medium-term plan and training and research.

An amount of $1.1 billion would have to be mobilized each year, according to the figure of $3.3 billion for core resources which had been adopted by the Programme's Executive Board for the three-year period starting in 1997, Rafeeuddin Ahmed said. While the Programme Administrator had the main responsibility for mobilizing additional resources, an increase in voluntary contributions to the core resources should remain the central effort of all donors, he added.

The representative of Costa Rica (on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China) expressed concern at the difficult financial situation faced by the Programme, despite reforms undertaken by the Administrator. The representatives of Ireland (on behalf of the European Union), Tunisia and the Russian Federation also spoke on operational activities for development. The Director of the Division of Policy Coordination and Economic and Social Council Affairs, Miles Stoby, also spoke.

During the consideration of matters related to the medium-term plan -- which, as approved by the General Assembly, provides the framework for the budget and is intended to guide the work of the Organization for a period of four or six years -- the representative of Costa Rica (on behalf of the Group of 77 and China) said that all the Main Committees had a direct responsibility in the elaboration of the plan. The consultative process for its formulation had increasingly been obstructed by a group of countries that supported leaving the entire responsibility to the Fifth Committee (Administrative and

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Budgetary), he added. The representatives of the United States and Ireland (on behalf of the European Union) said the topic had been discussed extensively in the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) and should not be examined in the Second Committee.

The representatives of the Philippines, Cuba, Uganda, Egypt, Tunisia, Brazil -- on behalf of the Common Market of the Southern Cone (MERCOSUR) --, Nigeria, Algeria, El Salvador, Russian Federation and Syria also spoke.

Also this afternoon, the Committee heard a statement by the Rector of the United Nations University, Heitor Gurgulino de Souza, as it began consideration of training and research. He said the University was trying to strengthen its academic contributions in areas of major concern to the United Nations and to provide useful policy inputs where possible.

Statements on training and research were made by the representatives of Ireland (on behalf of the European Union), Brazil, Finland, Canada, Russian Federation, Jordan, China, India and Japan.

The Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 18 October, to continue its deliberations.

Committee Work Programme

The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) met this afternoon to begin consideration of training and research and of operational activities for development. It was also scheduled to discuss relevant programmes of the proposed 1998-2001 medium-term plan, following a request from the Chairman of the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) (document A/C.2/51/3).

For its consideration of operational activities for development the Committee has before it the Secretary-General's report on progress at mid- decade on implementation of General Assembly resolution 45/217 on the World Summit for Children (document A/51/256). Reviewing progress towards the implementation of the Summit outcome, it provides a general overview and a mid-decade goal-by-goal review. It states that striking progress has been made in the control of diarrhoeal diseases, polio, guinea worm, measles death reduction, iodine deficiency disorders, access to safe drinking water and promotion of breast-feeding. The Secretary-General introduced the report to the plenary of the Assembly on 14 October. (For coverage and background information see Press Release GA/9130, of 14 October.)

Also before the Committee is a note by the Secretary-General on the advancement of women (document A/51/391). It provides a review and update on the programme of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and describes the initiatives undertaken by the Fund in 1995.

The note recalls that the Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995) had called upon the Fund to focus its follow-up actions on the Conference's goals of political and economic empowerment of women.

Under economic empowerment, among other things, the Fund has supported new approaches to assist women to minimize threats and to maximize opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, it says. Under political empowerment, it has focused on gender and governance with emphasis on promoting gender-sensitive policies, legislation and processes, as well as women's human rights.

Statements on Training and Research

HEITOR GURGULINO DE SOUZA, Rector of the United Nations University, in an introductory statement said the University was closely associated with the standing processes in the United Nations, namely the Second and Third Committees as well, as the Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies. The initiatives to inject academic and other independent inputs in parallel with the regular work of the Second Committee were an example of how the University could involve itself closer with intergovernmental deliberative processes. He highlighted the University's involvement in meetings of senior

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United Nations officials in the economic and social fields as well as its participation in the inter-agency machinery. Further guidance and advice by the Second Committee could be of significant value in defining the future relationship of the University with the Committee.

The University had started its operations over 21 years ago following its establishment by the Assembly to address global problems of human survival, development and welfare through a coordinated network of research and postgraduate training centres and programmes, he said. Within that framework, the University was intended to act as a bridge between the international scientific community and, in its broad sense, the world of policy-making. The University had over the years sought to meet that objective through a number of means.

As it was broadening its institutional texture, a concerted effort had been initiated to streamline and give sharper focus as well as relevance to its main research, training and dissemination work, he continued. Acting on the recommendations of high-level advisory groups comprised of eminent scholars, policy makers and United Nations officials, the University had reorganized its programmes of work along the main articulations of Agenda 21, the programme of action adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), and an Agenda for Peace. It was also trying to further strengthen its academic contributions in areas at the forefront of the United Nations and to provide useful policy inputs where possible.

Much had been accomplished by the University in the last few years, and much remained to be done, he said, stressing that its most immediate and pressing challenge was financial. As of 1 October pledges to the University's endowment fund and in the form of operating and specific contributions made by 54 governments and 109 other sources, totalled $318.5 million, of which $291.2 million had been received. An excess of $120 million had been raised in the past nine years. The financial constraints had made it necessary for the University to streamline its activities and to reduce expenditures wherever possible. A second challenge was the question of its still insufficient visibility. It was a problem which had not been overcome even by a distinguished publication programme that had produced more than 400 titles. Steps had been taken to increase its visibility through an increased number of public events.

PHILLIP GRANT (Ireland), speaking on behalf of the European Union, reiterated the Union's support for the University. As its report had outlined, the University had undertaken valuable research in such areas as sustainable development, including matters related to science and technology, conflict resolution and governance. In addition, the University had focused on research on economies in transition in eastern Europe and central Asia as well as liberalization and development in sub-Saharan Africa. The

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University's research initiative was a welcome contribution to the ongoing discussion on United Nations reform. He noted that progress had been made in promoting interaction of the University with the United Nations system, stressing that it should be further strengthened.

Mr. DE SOUZA, the Rector of the University, agreed that strengthening the University's links with the United Nations system was important and said the University had been working in that direction.

CELSO AMORIM (Brazil) said studies prepared by the University covering issues related to major United Nations conferences had proved extremely useful both during the preparatory process of the conferences and in their follow-up. The research carried out by the University in a number of areas had been deep and comprehensive. It had ranged from the cultural to the financial, from administrative to the environmental, and from science and technology to the dynamics of social welfare. There was a renewed commitment on the part of Brazil to strengthen the University, he said, adding that its research on Africa was particularly noteworthy.

Mr. DE SOUZA thanked the representative of Brazil for his support.

FREDRIK WILHELM BREITENSTEIN (Finland) said his delegation associated itself with the statement made by Ireland on behalf of the European Union. Finland wanted to see the University strengthened. It believed that it should become a genuinely international centre of excellence in research and training in areas which were vital for member countries, especially developing countries. While retaining its institutional independence and association with the academic community, the University should continue to strengthen its linkages with Member States, the United Nations and its agencies. It should also adopt sound administrative practices and find a successful fund-raising strategy.

Mr. DE SOUZA thanked the representative of Finland for his support.

DENIS CHOUINARD (Canada) drew attention to the new international network on water, environment and health established in cooperation with the United Nations University in Canada. Its headquarters would be at McMaster University, in Ontario. The network would address critical issues that linked water to development and human health. Its work would be carried out by networks of cooperating units in Canada and in other parts of the world, particularly by developing countries. The network's initial priority would be educational and targeted to training programmes. It would take a proactive approach in the development of its programmes which were meant to strengthen academic institutions, the public sector and industry, through human resources development.

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Mr. DE SOUZA added that the network would work in the area of aquatic systems protection and management.

OLEG RUDENSKIY (Russian Federation) said information should be provided to missions on the institutes of the University. Also, it should devote attention to new trends in international economic relations and new information technologies. He noted that other United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) were looking into those areas. It would be a good idea for the University to have its own World Wide Web site on the Internet.

BASHEER F. ZOUBI (Jordan) said an International Leadership Academy had been set up in Amman with the cooperation of the University to expose potential leaders to the situation of the world outside their professional backgrounds. Its other objectives included encouraging training and dissemination of knowledge in the area of leadership, and to serve as a focal point for the exchange of information and experience among young potential and future leaders. He announced a donation of $1 million to the Academy by his Government and appealed to others to do so.

Mr. DE SOUZA announced that the new director of the Academy had been appointed and should be taking up his post in Amman soon.

DONG GUILAN (China) said her Government had always attached importance to its cooperation with the University. It had supported the establishment of the International Institute for Software Technology in Macao and had made a $5 million donation for its construction. China, together with other Member States, would continue to support the work and activities of the University.

Mr. DE SOUZA expressed satisfaction at the remarks made by the representative of China and thanked her for her support.

PRAKASH SHAH (India) said his country had taken a consistent interest in the work carried out by the University. It had contributed generously to its Endowment Fund and to its World Institute for Development Economics Research in Helsinki. A number of eminent Indian nationals had served on the Governing Council of the University. Also, Indian academic institutions had provided training to its fellows. The University could provide policy makers with useful analytical tools to understand the rapidly changing and globalized world, he said, stressing that it should strengthen its focus on science and technology.

Mr. DE SOUZA thanked the representative of India and said India had pledged $1 million to the University's Institute in Helsinki.

HIROYASU KOBAYASHI (Japan) said the University was a truly unique institution and should be better utilized. First of all, its academic

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activities should be further strengthened. Second, the University should enhance the visibility of its activities. Third, it should interact more with other bodies of the United Nations system. Necessary adjustments should be made for the University to focus more on its research and academic activities. Japan was interested, in particular, in a stronger academic branch at the University's headquarters in Tokyo. Further efforts should be made to ensure better interaction at the University in such a way that it would form an organic whole. It should place more emphasis on exploring with objective and scientific tools and find effective ways of implementing the agreements reached at various United Nations conferences.

Mr. DE SOUZA said he fully agreed that academic activities in Tokyo should be strengthened. However, more financial resources were needed to do so. As far as visibility was concerned, he said he agreed that the University should not be an ivory tower, adding that that had never been the intention of the institution.

Statements on Medium-Term Plan

The representative of Costa Rica, speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, said each and every Committee had a direct responsibility in the elaboration of the medium-term plan. He recalled regulations governing programme planning, particularly with respect to the need to achieve improvement in the consultative process for the formulation of the plan through consultations in a systematic way. That arrangement established clearly that each Committee should examine in detail the proposal for the substantive programmes that fell within their competence. That procedure had increasingly been obstructed by a group of countries that at the time supported leaving the entire responsibility to the Fifth Committee, an attitude that once more demonstrated their limited interest in those issues. The Group reiterated the importance of dealing with the issue and the need to make every effort to respond in a positive way to the request of the Fifth Committee.

The representative of Ireland, speaking on behalf of the European Union, noting that the issue had been discussed in the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), said he would consult its with colleagues on the Fifth Committee.

The representative of the United States also said the topic had been discussed extensively in the CPC and should not be examined in the Second Committee. She said her delegation would also consult with its colleagues in the Fifth Committee.

The representative of the Philippines said the Fifth Committee could not be rushed into action on the medium-term plan. The Second Committee should devise an approach within its usual procedures to continue its review to

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produce a result that would enable its Chairman to respond sensibly and substantially to the letter of the Chairman of the Fifth Committee. The competent Main Committees should devote sufficient time and effort to reviewing the programmes in the plan falling within their expertise. Full meaning and expression should be given to what had been agreed in improving the process of programme planning. In the future, such a review should be a specific agenda item of the respective Main Committees. His delegation was prepared to explore the possibility that in the future the specific programmes and sub-programmes of the medium-term plan should be submitted to the pertinent Main Committees before going to the Fifth Committee. With regard to Programme 9 on trade and development, he said the Second Committee was yet to assess the results of the ninth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD IX).

The representative of Cuba said trade and development problems arising in the programme should be addressed, particularly those covering investment and technology. Proposals in the plan did not include specific mandates relating to the problems of small island developing countries. That aspect of the programme should be restored, and also the management of debt. Attention should be given to the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. Conclusions arrived at during the mid-term review of the New Agenda should be included in the programme, as well as decisions of the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II).

The representative of Uganda said one of the key assessments of the outcome of the mid-term review of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s had been that the weakness in follow-up arrangements, among others, had accounted for its poor implementation. The major shortcomings had been clearly visible at the advocacy and institutional levels. The report before the review had stated that with respect to advocacy, the New Agenda had not been adequately promoted by the relevant United Nations agencies. He stressed the need for a feedback mechanism that would facilitate the sharing of experiences on activities undertaken in implementing the New Agenda.

The representative of Egypt said discussion in the CPC had demonstrated that there was a trend to reduce the United Nations role in development. The developing countries had stressed that the Organization's role in that area was important, for without development there could be no peace. The lack of success of the United Nations in the area of development was related to inadequate resources. On the question of environment, he emphasized that the problems of desertification and drought in Africa had to be dealt with.

The representative of Tunisia said the Second Committee should be given more time to study parts of the medium-term plan relevant to its work. Consultations, dialogue and transparency promoted efficiency. While all were in favour of administrative discipline, he noted that the issues involved were

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political, although covering development questions. Economic and financial issues had a political agenda. Development was at the very heart of the United Nations system. Programme planning was a priority.

The representative of Brazil, speaking on behalf of the Common Market of the Southern Cone (MERCOSUR) (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay plus Bolivia and Chile), said trade and development questions were being studied by the Trade and Development Board of UNCTAD, and the outcome should be communicated to the Second Committee. The programme on trade and development issues should be aimed at strengthening the role of the United Nations in the field of development. He stressed the importance of debate on such issues. The UNCTAD had already carried out deep reforms, the success of which had already been recognized and acknowledged. The medium-term plan should accord priority to UNCTAD, acknowledging the reforms it was undertaking. More resources should be given to UNCTAD, he added. Regional commissions should play important roles in providing regional dimensions to development, he stressed.

The representative of Nigeria said the Committee should not be stampeded in its work. He did not believe socio-economic matters should be rushed in the Committee. Due time should be given to the Main Committees, particularly the Second Committee, to properly consider United Nations development programmes. He noted that documents on the results of the mid-term review of the New Agenda were not out. The Chairman should request more time for the Committee to properly examine issues contained in the letter from the Fifth Committee.

The representative of Algeria said he fully supported views expressed by Costa Rica on behalf of the "Group of 77". He welcomed the opportunity the Committee had to improve consultations on the programme planning. Consideration of the mid-term plan by the Main Committees would serve a greater role.

The representative of El Salvador said that his delegation fully supported the statement made by the "Group of 77" developing countries and China.

The representative of the Russian Federation said the existing format was defective from the practical viewpoint. He noted that in the Economic and Social Council, consideration of programme questions were mostly deferred to next year.

The representative of Syria said he agreed with the statement made by Costa Rica on behalf of the "Group of 77". He expressed appreciation over the fact that Committees had been called upon to give their views on the medium- term plan. That feedback would be positive in assisting the Fifth Committee in its work. The initiative would also help in achieving transparency in the United Nations.

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Statements on Operational Activities for Development

RAFEEUDDIN AHMED, Associate Administrator of the UNDP, said the level of resources made available to the United Nations operational activities for development was a reflection of the political choices made by Member States. Those choices in turn were shaped by the level of public support for international cooperation, perceptions of national interest and competing claims for bilateral programmes. The concept of optional multi-year voluntary pledges had been launched in 1983. However, stagnation in voluntary contributions to core resources continued.

Non-core contributions to the UNDP were first made in 1973, he continued. In 1995, non-core resources had stood at $899 million or roughly 49 per cent of the UNDP income. The UNDP Executive Board had adopted a mandate for change at its 1995 annual session. It had set out substantive priority areas and goals for its future. The Board had also confirmed the allocation of the major part of the Programme's core programme to countries with an annual per capita gross national product (GNP) of $750 or less. Currently 83 per cent of the UNDP's core funds went to 50 countries that were the home to three-fourths of the world's extremely poor. The Board had adopted the figure of $3.3 billion for core resources for the three-year period starting in 1997. That meant that an amount of $1.1 billion had to be mobilized each year. While the central responsibility for mobilizing additional resources was of the Administrator of the UNDP, an increase in voluntary contributions to the core resources should remain the central effort of all donors.

He said the UNDP was discussing modifications to the formulas of the partial funding system, in order to ensure that the system adequately reflected the realities of the situation of the UNIFEM in terms of income flow, project duration and disbursement rate. As had been reported at the last session of the Executive Board, UNIFEM would prepare a proposal for the Board's consideration at its 1997 session for the reinstatement of a partial funding mechanism. New leadership had transformed the Fund and brought its fiscal and programme management to a healthy status.

An in-house process for strengthening the UNDP collaboration with UNIFEM had been initiated for more effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, he said. The complementary roles of the UNDP and UNIFEM were being defined more clearly and efforts were being made to promote the use of UNIFEM's services in both agency- and nationally-executed programmes.

OSCAR ACUNA (Costa Rica), speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" and China, said that although significant progress had been made on restructuring, there had been no increase in resources for operational activities for development. Currently, official development assistance (ODA) was only 0.27 per cent of the GNP, the lowest level in 20 years. In fact, ODA available for long-term development had declined by 25 per cent. The "Group of 77" attached a lot of importance to the role of the Programme, which had

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complimented national efforts at development. However, it was concerned at the difficult financial situation that it faced, despite reforms undertaken by the Administrator.

He thanked the countries which had continued to make their ODA payments. It was fashionable today to say that the creation of a favourable environment for foreign investment would lead to development, but ODA remained crucial. Moreover, reform alone could not bring about an increase in development cooperation. Member States should look for new and innovative sources of funding, but those sources could not replace ODA. Calling for improvements in the efficiency of ODA utilization, he wondered if reports of the Programme had been financed by extrabudgetary resources.

MILES STOBY, Director, Division for Policy Coordination and Economic and Social Council Affairs, said it was true that for over 10 years the work that the Secretariat had carried out on the triennial policy review of operational activities had benefitted from extrabudgetary resources. It had relied on a Trust Fund to which contributions had been made by the United States and France, among others. The Secretariat would continue to need to rely on that Fund to carry out the sort of triennial policy review that was expected from it.

HELEN BROWNE (Ireland), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said action on the outcome of the World Summit for Children should be forward- looking and should concentrate on what needed to be done in the future. The European Union would participate constructively in the discussions on the subject. On UNIFEM, she said the European Union had taken note of the improvements in its management procedures and future plans. Because of its limited resources, UNIFEM should focus attention on limited objectives.

ABDELLAH AZAIEZ (Tunisia) said operational activities were at the core of the United Nations debate on development issues. He drew attention to the resolution 50/120, which provided for the simplification and harmonization of rules of procedure on implementation of operational activities, and deplored the non-implementation of the text. He commended the role of Resident Coordinators and the positive work they were doing in the field.

He stressed that lack of resources was impeding the work of development institutions. Developed countries should honour their commitments of providing 0.7 per cent of GNP to ODA, adding that resources should be made available on a predictable and reliable basis.

OLEG RUDENSKIY (Russian Federation) said it was important to improve the interaction between the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Bretton Woods institutions. Poverty was the root of many problems, and in order to combat it, strengthened cooperation was required. Team play in the field was crucial to that end. He noted that the current year had been marked by emphasis on reform in the social and economic sectors,

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and priority importance was being given to the needs of the countries with economies in transition and the developing countries.

Mr. AHMED, of the UNDP, told Committee members that efforts were being made to strengthen the resident coordinator system. Changes in the UNDP were being undertaken so that goals in the priority areas could be met.

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