At the second regular session of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Executive Board, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark discussed: UNDP responses to current crises; UNDP's support for global development processes; implementation of UNDP's Strategic Plan; UNDP resources; and transparency and accountability.
The UN development system is "determined to be fit for purpose for the post-2015 agenda,” Clark said, and the UN Development Group (UNDG) is assessing ways to ensure its members work together in a coherent, results-oriented and strategic manner.
Clark also noted UNDP's support to the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), saying UNDP will contribute to a review of the UN system's support to SIDS.
5 September 2014: At the second regular session of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Executive Board, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark discussed: UNDP responses to current crises; UNDP’s support for global development processes; implementation of UNDP’s Strategic Plan; UNDP resources; and transparency and accountability. The UN development system is “determined to be fit for purpose for the post-2015 agenda,” Clark said, and the UN Development Group (UNDG) is assessing ways to ensure its members work together in a coherent, results-oriented and strategic manner.
Clark described how UNDP is implementing organizational changes to ensure that it is “fit for purpose,” including an increased focus on results-based management and programme quality assurance, and the development of an organization-wide accountability framework. She said she expected UNDP’s new structures to take effect beginning on 1 October.
For the UN to deliver on the post-2015 agenda, Clark said, strengthened accountabilities at all levels and an empowered Resident Coordinator (RC) system will be critical. Underscoring the challenges of implementing and monitoring a broad agenda, she advised further clustering or streamlining the agenda. She further recommended: implementing the Standard Operating Procedures for Delivering as One; and facilitating those who work in practical, coordinated ways to lead in implementing national post-2015 agendas.
Clark also emphasized that UNDP is continuing to focus on Millennium Development Goal (MDG) acceleration by supporting countries to prepare acceleration action plans to facilitate the transition from the MDGs to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and by gathering lessons learned to inform SDG implementation, among other activities.
Clark highlighted the UN Secretary-General’s upcoming Climate Summit, and outlined UNDP’s support to the Action Areas on Forests and on the Summit on Adaptation, Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). She noted UNDP support for addressing deforestation, promoting reforestation, scaling up climate information and early warning systems, and increasing resilience.
Clark also noted UNDP’s support to the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), saying UNDP will contribute to a review of the UN system’s support to SIDS.
The Executive Board also discussed, inter alia: country programmes and related matters; the Global Environment Facility (GEF); and financial, budgetary and administration matters.
The meeting took place from 2-5 September 2014. The Executive Board consists of representatives from 36 countries around the world that serve on a rotating basis. Its decisions will be summarized in a forthcoming report. [UNDP Administrator Remarks] [UNDP Press Release on Executive Board Meeting] [UNDP Executive Board Website] [Executive Board Documents] [Executive Board Decisions] [UNDP Press Release on Save Our Tuna]