Remarks by H.E. Ms. Maj-Inger Klingvall, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Asylum Policy of Sweden, at the UNDP Ministerial Meeting in New York, 11 September 2000

- Last week our heads of state and government gathered here at the Millennium Summit to discuss how the UN can contribute to better lives for all people: reducing poverty, enhancing peace and security, human rights and environmental sustainability.

- The UNDP is the development arm of the UN and an important instrument for this common endeavour. It is a unique opportunity that we so soon after the adoption of the Millenium Declaration can meet here and discuss its implementation. Today's discussion is therefore not only about UNDP but about the goals of the UN itself.

- UNDP is in trouble. Core resources are dwindling, programmes are being cut and the future is uncertain. It must be our joint responsability to ensure that UNDP can play its role in the important work ahead. We must renew our commitment to this organization.

- I want to thank the Administrator for the documents presented to this meeting. They are pertinent, clarifying and concise. My government fully supports the reform process as outlined and we support the emerging profile of UNDP, as well as its coordinating role within the UN system. We strongly endorse the need to retain the universal character of the UNDP.

- UNDP’s presence at country level is essential. It permits the organization to engage in policy dialogue with governments, bilateral donors and civil society. UNDP is indeed a valuable partner in advancing the development agenda, including the follow-up to the global UN conferences. The Human Development Report also plays a key role.

- UNDP has undergone substantial changes. During the last years a number of important reforms have been implemented. These include the new results-based management system – the MYFF – and country level reforms such as the CCA and UNDAF process, as well as a strengthened resident coordinator function. To me these reforms represent a genuine commitment by UNDP to become more effective and efficient and to respond to the guidance of the Executive Board.

- But the reforms have not resulted in more core resources for UNDP. On the contrary. Not only are country activities at stake, but the internal reforms that UNDP has initiated are themselves at risk. If we are serious about strengthening UNDP it is our common responsability to revert the downward trend in its funding.

- I am pleased to inform you that my government last week decided to make an additional increase of the core contribution for the year 2000 in the amount of approximately 3,3 million USD. We have also decided to provide another approximately 1,2 million USD to management development. And - I am recommending to Parliament that the core contribution for 2001 be increased as well.

- I presume that other partners have similar plans, especially after this meeting. We should also explore other and broader sources of financing, constructive funding partnerships with other organizations, like the European Union, and more predictable and sustainable funding mechanisms. One thing is absolutely clear: more funds are needed for UNDP if it is to play the role we wish and expect it to play.

- Thank You.