UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark highlighted UNDP's capacity to promote sustainable development across the three pillars and noted its investment in preparing for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).
Clark also discussed UNDP's efforts to respond to the food security crisis in the Horn of Africa.
6 September 2011: Speaking at the Second Regular Session of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Executive Board, held in New York, US, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark highlighted UNDP’s preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).
Clark stressed the Programme’s commitment to promoting UN system coherence and noted that a well-coordinated system is better equipped to promote sustainable development across the three pillars – social and economic development and environmental protection. She underscored that UNDP is investing in framing the global development agenda, with an emphasis on accelerating the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and preparing for Rio+20, among other priorities such as increasing support to transition countries, with a special focus on the need for crisis prevention and recovery, including disaster risk reduction; implementing the organization’s change agenda; strengthening strategic human resources management; and enhancing corporate value-added services and accountability. She recognized Rio+20 as an opportunity to end a fragmented approach towards development and to adapt to sustainable development.
Clark also highlighted the food security crisis in the Horn of Africa. She stressed the need to reduce poverty and vulnerability, and noted that UNDP is known for its expertise in early recovery, supporting countries to build resilience and adapt to extreme climatic conditions. She noted that UNDP is working with Governments and partners in the Horn of Africa to strengthen national capacities for Disaster Risk Reduction and Livelihoods Recovery. [UNDP Press Release]