I thank you Mr. President.
I thank the Secretary General for his substantive report on the system-wide implementation of the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) and the reform of the United Nations development system (UNDS).
We align ourselves with the statement of the G-77 and China. Allow me to briefly highlight a few points in my national capacity:
First, the UNDS needs renewed focus and resources to fulfil its mandates. COVID-19 has increased our challenges manifold. Poverty and inequality have seen an alarming rise. The expansion of social safety net has proven to be temporarily effective to tackle the initial phases of the challenge. To come up with a sustainable solution, we must ensure structural transformation, productive capacity building by transfer of appropriate technologies and resources. It is imperative to create new jobs for the youth and women, especially in LDCs and other vulnerable countries.
Second, as we confront the sharpest contraction of global output in 2020 since the Great Depression, UNDS may face numerous financial challenges in the coming days. Against this backdrop, we need to address the imbalance between core and non-core funding and capitalize on flexible funding mechanisms – such as thematic and pooled funds, in line with the Funding Compact commitments. Involvement of the private sector as a source of innovative financing mechanisms can play a critical role in this regard. Besides, we need to undertake more ambitious actions on the range of policy options for debt relief and liquidity and a reform of the international debt architecture for the vulnerable and affected middle income countries.
Third, climate change poses a complex development challenge and affects the implementation of many of the SDGs. For tackling this threat, developed countries need to fulfil the commitment of US$ 100 billion made under the Paris Agreement. It is also imperative to ensure a 50-50 balance in climate financing between adaptation and mitigation.
Fourth, if we wish to implement the 2030 agenda in a timely manner, we need to build back better from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring access to safe and affordable vaccines for everyone, everywhere. The ongoing vaccine nationalism is taking us nowhere, and I thank the Secretary General for voicing his concerns regarding this issue. We need to quickly transfer the vaccine technology to the developing countries which have large scale production capacities. We have seen such practices in the recent times, which need to be expedited.
Finally, stronger regional and global partnership is vital for achieving the desired development outcomes and facing newer challenges. The role of reformed Resident Coordinator system (RCs) is critical in this regard. At the same time, the RCs and the new Country teams need to align their work with the priorities set by the national Governments. Strong reporting and accountability mechanisms have to be an integral part of UN’s engagement at country level.
I thank you all.