SG/SM/6267

SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS REFORM PROCESS WILL MAINTAIN 'DISTINCTIVE ROLES AND CONTRIBUTIONS' OF UNICEF, WFP AND UNFPA

20 June 1997


Press Release
SG/SM/6267


SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS REFORM PROCESS WILL MAINTAIN 'DISTINCTIVE ROLES AND CONTRIBUTIONS' OF UNICEF, WFP AND UNFPA

19970620 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

As is well known, proposals for United Nations Reform are being formulated by Maurice Strong for the Secretary-General. These proposals include options on specific aspects. The Secretary-General is reviewing the proposals and will soon take decisions to be reflected in the report to be presented to the General Assembly on 16 July.

There appears to be an erroneous impression spreading that in the process of reform, entities such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) may lose their autonomous status. The Secretary-General would like to clarify that the distinctive roles and contributions of such organizations are highly valued and will be retained. The essence of the reform proposals will be to ensure that the effectiveness of humanitarian and development programmes under United Nations auspices is strengthened and made more efficient.

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For information media. Not an official record.