Amid Crises, Sustainable Development Goals ‘Far Off Track’, Secretary-General Tells Economic and Social Council Operational Activities Segment
Despite derailed progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals due to a myriad of global challenges, resident coordinators with their strengthened role in the United Nations reformed development system are supporting countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Secretary-General António Guterres said today, as the Economic and Social Council opened its annual operational activities for development segment.
The segment which convenes today to 25 March is focused on the theme “Guiding the United Nations development system’s support in response to interlinked crises and to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals”.
“The Sustainable Development Goals — our only comprehensive solution to these crises — are far off track,” said Mr. Guterres, pointing out that progress has reversed on more than 30 per cent of Sustainable Development Goals targets. Pointing to the success of reforms as demonstrated by his report on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system, he underscored that resident coordinators are bringing United Nations entities together in support of countries’ priorities for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The data-driven system is delivering new levels of transparency and accountability, he added, detailing the positive contributions of the reinvigorated role of the resident coordinator in countries. However, in 2022, the development system suffered from a funding gap of $85 million, he stressed, urging Member States to reconsider his recommendation for a hybrid 2.0 model for the United Nations development system, so that the resident coordinator system is funded with a greater share of assessed contributions under the regular budget of the United Nations.
Albert Ranganai Chimbindi (Zimbabwe), Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council, opened the operational activities for development segment, emphasizing that it is taking place during one of the most challenging times in history — and in a world in crisis. The segment has assumed even more significance as the main accountability platform to enhance the acceleration of system-wide performance and results in support of the 2030 Agenda, he said, encouraging all participants to have a forward-looking vision, as “the decisions we are going to adopt starting with this segment, and in the upcoming months will impact millions of lives around the world and will shape the future of the 2030 Agenda for years to come”.
Brian Wallace (Jamaica), Vice-President of the General Assembly, on that note, said the revised management and accountability framework must now be fully implemented and funding for the resident coordinator system ensured as a common priority. The next three days is a great opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. “We are in the decade of action, and we are being judged by our results, or the lack thereof,” he underscored, urging Member States to ensure that reforms are bringing about critical changes in behaviour, culture and mindset that maximize the United Nations collective offer.
Li Jinhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, pointed out that, by 2030, 300 million young people and children will leave school unable to read or write, and none of the gender equality indicators will have been met. The two reports before the segment are a sound analytical basis for Council and Member States’ discussions, with ambitious reform of the United Nations development system delivering results, he said, calling for funding solutions to be found as the fate of many hinges on it.
Frederick M. Shava, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, warned that several African countries covered by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) are unlikely to achieve a single Sustainable Development Goal. Issues of gender equality, decent work and economic growth and sustainable food production remain pertinent challenges in some parts of the continent and beyond. He called on international financial institutions and multilateral development banks to increase the provision of immediate liquidity to the countries most in need and expand fiscal space by allocating more financing in the form of grants and concessional loans.
The Council held two interactive discussions, with the first in the morning providing Member States an opportunity to comment on the Secretary-General’s latest report on the implementation of the quadrennial comprehensive policy review and pose questions directly to him. Many speakers welcomed the positive contributions of the reformed development system as set out in the report, while spotlighting issues requiring urgent action. Several delegates, voicing concern about the funding deficit, echoed the Secretary-General’s call for a more predictable funding model, including one based on the regular budget.
During the second interactive discussion, which was held in the afternoon, delegates considered the annual report of the Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group on the Development Coordination Office and the resident coordinator system and shared comments and posed questions to Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
Next, the Council held a panel discussion on “Financing the SDGs: Working with financial institutions and beyond”. Moderated by Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, it featured panellists Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Vice-Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group; Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition; and Mireia Villar Forner, Resident Coordinator in Colombia.
The Economic and Social Council will reconvene in a formal session at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 24 May, to continue its operational activities for development segment.
Opening Remarks
ALBERT RANGANAI CHIMBINDI (Zimbabwe), Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council, opened the operational activities for development segment, emphasizing it is taking place during one of the most challenging times in history — and in a world in crisis, “to rescue and turbocharge the Sustainable Development Goals must be our highest common priority”, he stressed. Citing the theme for the segment, “Guiding United Nations development system’s support in response to interlinked crises and to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals”, he noted the session will consider the evidence presented in Secretary-General António Guterres’ report on the implementation of the quadrennial comprehensive policy review and the annual report of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group Chair on the Development Coordination Office.
Outlining the structure of the segment, he called for ensuring that the perspectives and feedback of Member States are fully included in the conversation, with an honest identification of both the successes and the challenges on the ground being critical in shaping the way forward. The basis of discussions should go beyond United Nations jargon and technicalities, as these issues are about making a reality of the 2015 pledge of leaving no one behind, “delivering results for the people we represent, and ultimately to improve their overall well-being”, he said. The United Nations development system has been undergoing a stress test in the last few years, he noted — with the world losing hard-earned progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Despite facing funding challenges, the strengthened resident coordinator system is bringing United Nations country teams closer together to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He emphasized that the valuable experience gained in this state of emergency should provide a solid basis for the permanent amplification of the effectiveness of the United Nations development system and its partnership with Governments, other international organizations and development actors. In view of this, the segment has assumed even more significance as the main accountability platform to enhance the acceleration of system-wide performance and results in support of the 2030 Agenda. He encouraged all participants to have a forward-looking vision, as “the decisions we are going to adopt starting with this segment, and in the upcoming months will impact millions of lives around the world and will shape the future of the 2030 Agenda for years to come”, he stated.
BRIAN WALLACE (Jamaica), Vice-President of the General Assembly, noting that today’s colliding crises have sent millions into poverty and thrown the Sustainable Development Goals off track, said: “We need a development system that is effective, efficient and coherent in supporting Member States to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.” Over the next three days, delegates are to assess how well the United Nations development system is implementing policy guidance by Member States and delivering on the promise to leave no one behind — a great opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. “We are in the decade of action, and we are being judged by our results, or the lack thereof,” he underscored, urging Member States to ensure that reforms are bringing about critical changes in behaviour, culture and mindset that maximize the United Nations collective offer. The revised management and accountability framework must now be fully implemented with each entity contributing according to its comparative advantage to drive a whole-of-system approach to countries, and funding for the resident coordinator system ensured as a common priority.
LI JUNHUA, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, cited the pledge of the 2030 Agenda for common action to leave no one behind — but “We have been failing to deliver at the scope and speed” required for such changes, he stressed. As it stands, only one third of countries will halve national poverty by 2030, with hunger levels, economic hardship and the number of people fleeing conflict at record highs. By 2030, 300 million young people and children will leave school unable to read or write, and none of the gender equality indicators have been met. “But we must regain lost ground, and time is of the essence”, he stressed. He cited the two reports presented to the segment as a sound analytical basis for Council and Member States’ discussions, with ambitious reform of the United Nations development system delivering results, as it remains a preferred partner for evidence-based and integrated policy advice.
Joint action helped an additional 147 million people in 39 countries and territories gain temporary and permanent coverage for social protection, he noted, further citing the importance of the resident coordinator system in driving a just transition in food, energy and digital transition, connecting global priorities to local actions. Their support has led to the historic loss and damage fund, with synergies in development and peacebuilding interventions, all in the past year alone. Country teams have worked more collaboratively, with 94 per cent of Governments agreeing that development system activities accurately reflect the content of the cooperation framework. There is still work to do, he stressed, calling for funding solutions to be found as the fate of the many hinges on it.
FREDERICK M. SHAVA, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, warned that a number of African countries covered by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) are unlikely to achieve a single Sustainable Development Goal. Issues of gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and sustainable food production remain pertinent challenges in some parts of the continent and beyond. The 2022-2026 Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework articulates the strategic engagement of the United Nations country team there, to support the country in achieving its national development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals, he said, noting its delivery of $524 million in various projects and programmes targeting the most vulnerable groups.
Detailing its activities with the Organization’s agencies, funds and programmes, he said the World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) complemented the Government’s work in providing social protection services, reaching 1.8 million people with cash or in-kind support. The Government also worked with UNICEF, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to improve an enabling environment for education, he said, pointing to the Government’s other efforts in the areas of justice delivery, universal health, economic growth and gender equality.
Resident Coordinators should continue to support countries by focusing on policy transformations, partnerships and coalition building to accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, he continued, urging their stronger alignment with national needs and nationally determined priorities. He welcomed the Secretary-General’s SDG Stimulus and called on the United Nations development system to exert all efforts to support developing countries to leverage robust partnerships with development partners, including international financial institutions and the private sector, to achieve the scale and pace of progress required to deliver and meet the 2030 Agenda.
He further called on international financial institutions and multilateral development banks to increase the provision of immediate liquidity to the countries most in need and expand fiscal space by allocating more financing in the form of grants and concessional loans.
ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlighted that halfway through the timeline of the 2030 Agenda, more than half the world is being left behind, pointing to the escalating climate crisis and growing hunger and poverty. Moreover, the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine has prolonged and amplified the economic destruction and dislocation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost of food, energy, and finance has risen sharply, with a devastating impact on vulnerable countries and communities, while inequalities and gender discrimination are on the rise.
“The Sustainable Development Goals — our only comprehensive solution to these crises — are far off track,” he underscored, pointing out that progress has reversed on more than 30 per cent of Sustainable Development Goals targets, and is weak and insufficient on another 50 per cent. “But it is not too late to turn the tide. And we are determined to do just that,” he declared, citing that the SDG [Sustainable Development Goals] Stimulus, the proposed reforms of the global financial architecture, the Acceleration Agenda on climate, the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the memorandum of understanding on promoting Russian food and fertilizers to global markets, among others, are initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, inequality and hunger, and getting the 2030 Agenda back on course.
Pointing to the success of reforms as demonstrated by his report on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system, he said: “The verdict is in: resident coordinators are bringing United Nations entities together in support of countries’ priorities for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Fully 88 per cent of host Governments say that resident coordinators provide effective and strategic leadership in support of their national plans and priorities. All least developed and landlocked developing countries surveyed said United Nations activities were closely aligned with their needs and priorities, while all small island developing States said collaboration between the Organization’s entities has improved since the reforms.
The system is data-driven, thus delivering new levels of transparency and accountability, he said, detailing the positive contributions of the reinvigorated role of the resident coordinator, such as in Pakistan, where the newly empowered system coordinated across the entire United Nations family with the Government in response to the devastating floods that affected 33 million people. In small island developing States, the integrated support provided by multi-country offices is helping to address issues ranging from climate adaptation to debt distress, he added.
“Many developing countries simply cannot afford to invest in the SDGs because they face a financing abyss,” he emphasized, highlighting that the annual Sustainable Development Goals funding gap, which stood at $2.5 trillion before the pandemic, and, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), now stands at some $4.2 trillion. Developed countries have now largely returned to their pre-pandemic trajectory of economic growth, whereas developing countries have been hobbled by their inability to do the same and vulnerable middle-income countries are denied debt relief and concessional financing.
Something is seriously wrong with the rules and governance structures that produce these results, he stressed, noting that he has thus called for an SDG Stimulus — an emergency measure to scale up affordable long-term financing for all countries in need, by at least $500 billion a year. There are also long-term proposals under way to right the fundamental injustices and inequalities in global financial architecture which reflect the global realities of 78 years ago, he added, calling on Member States for their support.
He thanked those Member States that have maintained or increased their financial support to the United Nations development system, pointing out, however, that in 2022, the system suffered from a funding gap of $85 million, while the Joint SDG Fund is far short of the Funding Compact target of $290 million per year. “Unless Member States step up, we are effectively starving the UN development system of the support it needs to deliver for Member States,” he warned, adding that a recruitment freeze is reducing the Organization’s ability to deliver.
“We are now turning to Member States to meet their commitments,” he emphasized, noting that $85 million is a tiny investment for the returns already being witnessed. Noting that countries are spending more than $2 trillion a year on military budgets, he stressed: “It is simply not credible to pledge support for peace, if they are not prepared to invest a tiny fraction of this amount in sustainable development — the greatest conflict prevention tool we have.”
He urged Member States to reconsider his recommendation for a hybrid 2.0 model for the United Nations development system, noting that the current funding model for the resident coordinator system is far too vulnerable to fluctuations in voluntary funding, making it unpredictable and unsustainable. “The most logical, principled solution is to fund the resident coordinator system with a greater share of assessed contributions under the regular budget of the United Nations,” he emphasized, noting that he intends to launch, in the coming months, a transparent, inclusive consultation process with Member States before a formal proposal is submitted to the General Assembly.
The SDG Summit in September must be a moment of unity and deliver concrete progress on the means of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as a clear commitment to overhaul the current international financial architecture. Member States are our partners on this journey, he stressed, urging their continued engagement and leadership at the highest levels. “A robust resolution from the ECOSOC [Economic and Social Council] operational activities segment would be an important first step in this direction. Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all people, everywhere,” he said.
Session 1
The representative of Cuba, speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, noted words at various forums have not been translated into appropriate actions, and the multiple challenges and crises have further complicated the way towards fulfilling previous commitments. She called for the focus of the United Nations development system, and in particular the resident coordinator system, to remain on development issues. The eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions must remain the system’s overarching objective, while funding development activities must be a top priority.
However, she noted with concern that there continues to be less money available for development than for other pillars — urging donors to contribute to the system in a way that is more beneficial to its coordinated efforts. While citing the excellent manner in which the system responded to the pandemic and other crises, she voiced concern about the funding shortfall to the resident coordinator system. Some Group of 77 members are among those furthest behind, in extreme poverty, experiencing high indebtedness and most affected by the continued negative impact of climate change and other sorts of external shocks. She further underlined the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the activities of the United Nations country teams.
The representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, said it is rewarding to see a well-functioning resident coordinator system, only in its fifth year of implementation. Noting that progress on reaching the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 has stalled and is unequal, he stressed that the United Nations development system must be able to deliver on commitments coming out of the SDG Summit. Voicing concern about funding, he said the Union and its member States contribute heavily to the resident coordinator system through all the financing pillars and look forward to a detailed proposal for a new funding model that is predictable, flexible and solid. They are ready to engage in that debate, which should be thorough and look at all possible options, including assessed contributions, he added. Regarding the resident coordinator’s role in convening the United Nations family in countries and also the broader donor community, he asked the Secretary-General if there was more that Member States could do to facilitate such coordination. He further asked him to elaborate on how the development system more broadly can invest in a way that reduces humanitarian needs emerging out of conflict and climate change — the so-called nexus.
The representative of South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group and aligning herself with the Group of 77, noted that her continent is the biggest beneficiary of the resident coordinator system, with 53 representatives and offices — and has therefore supported its reform since the outset, which is essential for delivering truly tailored support. Africa contains different categories of countries including small island developing, middle-income, least developed and landlocked developing States, requiring a different level of customized support. She noted that feedback shows that 95 per cent of African Governments indicate that technical support provided by the United Nations development system is in line with national needs and priorities, while 89 per cent stated they are receiving appropriate support to leverage partnerships.
She further acknowledged the progress on receiving integrated policy advice and convening partners under the leadership of resident coordinators to mobilize implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, she voiced concern over the funding gap, which can undermine efforts to deliver effective programmes and activities at the country level. Advocating for a funding model based on the regular budget to ensure predictability, she stressed that the gap underscores that the current voluntary model is no longer fit for purpose.
The representative of Mongolia, speaking on behalf of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, reiterated support for the United Nations development system, which makes efforts to provide more integrated, efficient and better-quality support to countries’ needs and priorities. The pandemic proved that the repositioned system, with a stronger and empowered resident coordinator system at its core, is well positioned to respond to emergencies, build resilience and ensure the primacy of development. He therefore called for Member States’ continued support in reform, stressing the need for the resident coordinator system to be equipped with a predictable, sustainable and adequate funding model.
Voicing concern that this recurrent funding gap risks undermining the effective and efficient delivery of programmatic activities at the State level — especially for those in special situations like the landlocked developing countries — he urged for continued leverage of the system, particularly in preparation for the next steps in the upcoming Programme of Action. He further called for resident coordinators and United Nations country teams to be fully involved in preparations for the 2024 third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Rwanda.
The representative of Nepal, speaking on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries and aligning himself with the Group of 77, expressed concern over the “setbacks and reversals” in the Sustainable Development Goals mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report — with the least developed countries, in fact, being the hardest hit, seriously undermining the resolve of leaving no one behind. He urged the international community, particularly development partners and international financial institutions, to scale up means of implementation, by providing financial resources and technical and capacity-building support.
Echoing the Secretary-General’s call for a stimulus of at least $500 billion per year for sustainable development, he voiced concern over the estimated funding gap of $85 million for the resident coordinator system this year — calling for full mobilization of $281 million to ensure its effective functioning. He further called upon development partners to ensure the replenishment of $290 million per year for the Sustainable Development Goal Fund. While in 2021 around 50 per cent of the total development system country expenditures occurred in least developed countries, the share was more than 52 per cent in 2012. Moreover, a major share of the expenditure is going to humanitarian activities, leaving development activities underfunded.
The representative of Samoa, speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States and associating himself with the Group of 77, said: “We owe it to the most vulnerable among us and those furthest behind to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the SDGs.” Affirming his bloc’s commitment to make the repositioned United Nations development system and the invigorated resident coordinator system successful, he pointed out that asking small island States to help fund the system would be a tall ask as they are already grappling with high indebtedness, outrageous financial and economic impacts because of climate inaction, and the other economic, financial and health shocks, to which they have not or contributed little to, but are the most affected. He called on the Secretary-General to provide them with a few options with pros and cons for their consideration and urged all delegations to be open to engaging in constructive dialogue on the matter. It is imperative that Member States get a clearer understanding of what exactly has been implemented from the mandates of the last quadrennial comprehensive policy review, best practices, challenges, gaps and recommendations, he said, underscoring the need for frank and difficult discussions. He urged the international community to constructively engage with his bloc as it evaluates implementation of the Samoa Pathway and maps its new path to a new sustainable development blueprint at the fourth International Conference for Small Island Developing States in 2024.
Mr. GUTERRES, responding to questions raised by the European Union, said resident coordinators must indeed play an active role with the donor community, which acts in a coordinated and strategic way given the limited availability of funds. Humanitarian work more and more must build resilience and enable a transition to development, he said, stressing that creating conditions for independence from humanitarian assistance is as important as providing life-saving assistance. He voiced support for all the efforts mentioned by the Group of 77, the African Group, the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, the Group of Least Developed Countries, Alliance of Small Island States and the Like-Minded Group of Countries Supporters of Middle-Income Countries to create conditions for recovery despite difficult situations.
Regarding the question of spending money on coordination, he stressed that resources must be well used with priorities established and strategies put in place. No actor should be acting by itself, he emphasized, pointing to the tendency of ministries to have their own agenda. Noting the lack of coordination in working with agencies in the past, he stressed that what is needed today are resident coordinators who are empowered and have a minimum of resources necessary for the effective coordination of United Nations agencies. Further, resident coordinators must be aligned with the coordination mechanism established by Governments and able to discuss a country’s priorities with the donor community, he said, underscoring the importance of strong coordination to guarantee the coherence of the Organization’s development activities.
However, voluntary contributions tend to not respond to development needs, he continued. Recalling the case of the G5 Sahel for which he was in favour of assessed contributions, he said the results of its voluntary funding can be seen in the chaotic situation in the Sahel today and the total lack of capacity to respond to the terrorist threat. He appealed to Member States to recognize that at least part of funding should be made by assessed contributions. He further underscored the importance of accountability, monitoring and performance measurement, stressing that the system is working much better in the past and as such, conditions must be created to ensure that the system does not return to its past situation.
AMINA MOHAMMED, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, responded to funding questions from Member States, noting she looks forward to discussing new models and furthering them to ensure predictability. She thanked the delegations of the United States, Kenya and Denmark for their support in looking to improve funding, although ultimately, efforts in producing case studies did not produce results in closing the funding gap — meaning resident coordinators had to put some of their support efforts on hold. She affirmed that there is a constant review of resident coordinators in terms of expertise, behaviour and impact, noting it is encouraging that when the system started, not many wanted to apply, while now, many have asked to join the cadre, while outside of the system, over 30 per cent of applications across regions are at parity. The United Nations is always looking to improve skill sets and interaction with countries. Citing issues of development and cross-border issues, for example in Africa, she noted that she is slowly seeing a core of United Nations country teams working with resident coordinators, regional directors and at country level. She reaffirmed the importance of focusing on gender issues and development. Targeting with a sense of urgency requires funding implementation, she stressed.
Session 2
Ms. MOHAMMED, delivering opening remarks also as Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, presented the report on the Development Coordination Office and the resident coordinator system (document E/2023/62). Resident coordinators are fostering more coherent, accountable and effective United Nations support for countries, and are leveraging their impartiality and new capacities to channel skill sets and expertise housed across the United Nations system. Resident coordinators are no longer simply coordinators; they are increasingly leveraging their convening power and their legitimacy as representatives of the Secretary-General to support Governments to mobilize partnerships, financing and other means of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, they are key to ensuring that United Nations support in country is fully aligned and tailored to national priorities and needs, she said, adding that they are effectively the first responders in emergencies and facilitate a smooth transition from crisis to sustainable development and resilience.
Her report presents innumerable examples of how resident coordinators and their offices have made a positive difference in countries, she continued, noting the overwhelming positive feedback on the impact of changes that have been implemented. Highlighting key achievements outlined therein, she pointed to strengthened resident coordinator leadership through the careful matching of their profiles with country needs and requirements. In addition, strengthened resident coordinator office capacity, strategic planning, economic analysis, partnerships, data analytics and results reporting have provided critical support to United Nations country teams. The resident coordinator system is playing a crucial role in leading the emergence of a new generation of country teams and has increased the ability of host Governments to easily access United Nations expertise across relevant United Nations entities regardless of location, fostering a more flexible, coherent and responsive Organization. The resident coordinator system has been instrumental in enhancing accountability and transparency of the Organization’s development activities, she said, detailing the system’s other positive contributions in countries.
Turning to the pressing issue of chronic underfunding of the resident coordinator system, she stressed the need to urgently bridge the $85 million funding gap to ensure the continued delivery of results on the ground. “Without adequate and predictable funding, we will jeopardize hard-won gains and the reforms and our ability to support countries to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals,” she stressed, reiterating the Secretary-General’s call to reconsider his recommendation for a hybrid 2.0 funding model for the United Nations development system.
The representative of Morocco, aligning herself with the African Group, the Like-Minded Countries Supporters of Middle-Income Countries and the Group of 77, said the repositioned United Nations development system, with the resident coordinator system at its centre, has proven its effectiveness, its added value and its ability to create the desired change on the ground. Welcoming the signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, an ambitious programme in line with national development priorities, she reiterated the country’s support for the resident coordinator system.
The representative of Norway, noting that large and fragmented systems like the United Nations development system, are difficult to change, said the changes that have emerged are significant and should be acknowledged. The litmus test of the repositioning of the development system is whether it can deliver better results on the ground in a changing world, she added, underscoring the need for country teams that are cohesive, flexible, efficient and focused in their scope. Country teams must also be able to respond to evolving national priorities in an integrated and holistic way and be led by strong and visionary resident coordinators. Echoing concerns about funding of the resident coordinator system, which is too dependent on voluntary contributions, she stressed the need to explore all other options, including covering a greater share through assessed contributions. Norway is among the major contributors to the Special Purpose Trust Fund since the beginning and has decided to increase its contribution for 2023. “We need to overcome the present mismatch between what we want from the system and the way we fund it,” she stressed, welcoming the initiative to revisit the Funding Compact to see how it can be a more focused and effective driver of reforms.
The representative of Iraq noted the resident coordinator system is a crucial part of United Nations efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, leading country teams who in turn support the host nation. Welcoming progress in the implementation of national development plans and in strengthening consistency and coherence, he noted the system also plays a role in providing a cooperation framework. However, given its importance, it is crucial to address financing gaps. He noted that Iraq hosts 23 agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system, with 2022 marking a crucial year of transition from emergency to development assistance in the long term. He asked about measures undertaken in training resident coordinators to provide them with the skills necessary to undertake their responsibilities.
The representative of the Philippines, associating himself with the Group of 77 and the Like-Minded Countries Supporters of Middle-Income Countries, welcomed the inclusive and transparent consultative process on the resident coordinator system results framework. Echoing serious concerns about the funding situation of the resident coordinator system, he expressed full support for any initiative by the Secretary-General, in consultation with Member States, to ensure sustainable, predictable and adequate funding. This dialogue is very timely for his country as it is currently in the process of crafting its new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with the United Nations, he said, noting its aim to bolster the existing cooperation between the Philippines and United Nations agencies to ensure food security, modernize agriculture and agribusiness, accelerate climate action, intensify biodiversity conservation and scale up the implementation of sustainable consumption and production approaches and circular economy solutions.
The representative of Indonesia, aligning himself with the Group of 77, noted that “delivering as one” is not finite, but a constant work. The international community needs a United Nations development system that continuously enhances delivery and performance, sharpening the added value, tailored to countries’ Sustainable Development Goal programmes. He called for improvement in the country teams’ relations with international financial institutions — particularly to enhance coordinated action. He noted that his country’s networked relations with the United Nations country team, the Joint Sustainable Development Fund and the private sector have played an instrumental role in raising a combined $730 million in financing through the issuance of Sustainable Development Goal bonds in 2021-2022.
The representative of Mexico, voicing concern about the funding deficit in the resident coordinator system, said it is important to promote coordination among different institutions, agencies and committees to build on synergies and avoid overlap and the wasting of resources. In addition, resident coordinators must be provided with the appropriate tools to identify opportunities for development cooperation, whether North-North, South-South or triangular cooperation, and to support technology transfer and share good practices and experiences with those countries that request it. None of this can replace Government action, she stressed, underscoring the need for resources to be made available for the resident coordinators to guarantee the full and effective participation of different stakeholders, and leverage the potential of civil society, women and youth, as well as local organizations, academia and the private sector, to make progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The representative of the Republic of Korea, while commending the achievement made thus far, called on the United Nations development system to harness the momentum for reform in a more innovative way and strengthen solidarity and support among Member States. He noted that given contemporary complex crises, the humanitarian-development-peace nexus is relevant more than ever. It is encouraging that the core share of development funding exceeded the target of 30 per cent for the first time since the Funding Compact was adopted — but the $85 million funding gap shows that there is still a long way to go. The United Nations development system will produce better results by promoting tailored country-level support, especially in human and digital capacity-building, and localization of assistance so that the maximum number of people in need can benefit.
The representative of Egypt, associating herself with the Group of 77 and the African Group, commended the positive results of the strengthened resident coordinator system. Voicing concern about the current funding gap, she pointed out that the resident coordinator system in 2022 faced the largest funding gap to date. It is time to initiate consultations on the resident coordinator funding model by reconsidering the options put forward by the Secretary-General in his 2021 report on the review of the resident coordinator system and to have a funding model based on the regular budget, she stressed. Last week, her country had an opportunity to showcase the successful cooperation between the Government of Egypt and the resident coordinator in the country, she said, highlighting that United Nations support to Egypt as president of the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was among their fruitful collaborations.
The representative of Samoa, speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States and addressing Ms. Mohammed’s presentation of the report, noted it is becoming more and more obvious that resources can be readily made available for priority areas of the few who have, and less so for issues that affect the vast majority of the people of the world, which is creating a deeper divide and goes contrary to commitments made in 2014 on leaving no one behind and to eradicate poverty. While appreciating the information provided both in the report and the results framework, she noted the difficulty in trying to articulate the coordination aspect that covers the majority of the resident coordinator system’s work. She registered satisfaction with the changes made to multi-country offices, which have greatly improved how the United Nations system operates in those countries, noting the speedy and effective response of the system to the cyclones that hit Vanuatu and the volcanic eruption in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Also speaking were the representatives of Guatemala (on behalf of Like-Minded Group of Countries Supporters of Middle-Income Countries), Australia (also speaking for Canada and New Zealand), United Kingdom, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Tajikistan, Senegal, United States, Chile, Denmark, France, China, Switzerland, Sweden, Qatar, Algeria, India, Cameroon, Argentina, Russian Federation, Cambodia, Japan and Colombia.
Also addressing Ms. Mohammed’s presentation of the report were the representatives of Burkina Faso (on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries), Cuba (on behalf of the Group of 77), Mongolia (on behalf of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries), El Salvador, Armenia, United States, Barbados, Senegal, Canada, Tajikistan, United Kingdom, Sweden, South Africa (on behalf of the African Group) and Cuba.
Ms. MOHAMMED, responding to questions and comments posed by delegates, said that training and capacity-building for resident coordinators starts from onboarding and continues in country. Resident coordinators also participate in online seminars, including in sessions with agency heads.
Regarding achieving better results for United Nations country teams, she emphasized that the reconfiguration is a big exercise and a priority over the next year. Underscoring the need for balance between core funding and earmarked funding, she said flexibility is most needed in this area.
Regarding the question on reducing processes, she highlighted the need to balance process with accountability to ensure consultations, feedback and monitoring. United Nations country teams must speak to each other to allow greater efficiency, she added.
Regarding resident coordinator leadership, she pointed to efforts to ensure that the profiles in the roster are more relevant and responsive to development work being done. While there is gender parity, there is a need to improve geographic parity within regions, she said.
Regarding the time it takes to place resident coordinators in vacancies, she pointed out that it is dependent on government approval. However, the United Nations is trying to accelerate those efforts.
Leadership is a priority, she said, noting that resident coordinators are being asked more and more to convene on issues. Her Office is trying to clarify the number of areas that will give more concrete outcomes, she said, underscoring the need for scale and a programme that impacts half the population and the majority of young people.
Regarding expenditures, she said the Development Coordination Office provides granular data. However, should Member States need additional data, they are encouraged to request such data. The Office is looking to identify where gaps are country by country. However, this work is hampered by a lack of data, she said, noting that indicators in country are sometimes not available.
Session 3
The Council then turned to a panel discussion on “Financing the SDGs: Working with financial institutions and beyond”. Moderated by Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, it featured panellists: Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Vice-Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group; Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition; and Mireia Villar Forner, Resident Coordinator in Colombia.
Following last month’s successful forum on financing for development follow-up, the session looked at the efforts by United Nations country teams to help leverage financing for the Sustainable Development Goals, including in partnership with international financial institutions, regional and national development banks and others. It aimed to discuss what measures are needed to further scale up such cooperation, including how to further support countries’ efforts in developing and implementing integrated national financing frameworks, and the challenges and opportunities that the United Nations development system is employing, through cooperation with financial institutions, to help finance countries’ development priorities.
Mr. STEINER stressed that integrated national financing frameworks represent a nationally led process in identifying their financing priorities. He noted that Nigeria, Mongolia and Maldives have already launched their financing strategies and 25 more are in that process.
Mr. HART warned of a critical moment in the global fight against the climate crisis, with every indicator heading in the wrong direction. Achieving the 1.5ºC goal will requiring halving global emissions by 2030, with $4 trillion in public and private investment and developing countries needing $300 billion per year to adapt to a worsening climate.
Ms. FORNER, noting that everything United Nations country teams do is about accelerating poverty reduction and sustainable development, cited her experience as Resident Coordinator in Uruguay and now in Colombia — a high and a middle-income country respectively — where she recruited financing experts from outside the United Nations as partnership officers, to provide in-house capacities to speak the right language and be credible with ministries of finance and private banks.
There followed an interactive session during which Member States asked questions and expressed alarm that 575 million people worldwide will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030, with developing countries facing a widening financing gap of $2.5 and $3 trillion per year.