Thank you, Mr. Vice-President,

Madame Deputy Secretary-General,

We align with the statement made by Uganda on behalf of the G77 and China.

We thank the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General for the comprehensive reports on the implementation of the QCPR and UN Development System reform.  The Philippines recognizes the positive results achieved by the reinvigorated Resident Coordinator and UN Development Systems, and also areas for continued improvement.

The Philippines recently signed a new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2024-2028.  It was formulated through a consultative process anchored in a spirit of partnership for the SDGs, based on national development plans and priorities – such as enhancing human capital investments for innovation; supporting attainment of upper-middle-income country status; and building climate and disaster resilience.

We would like to highlight the following points:

1. The Cooperation Framework is a useful coordinating and integration tool that can generate higher impact support for developing countries.  Consultation on the Framework was a learning experience for various government agencies and members of the UN Country team, contributing to deeper dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.
2. National ownership, coherence, transparency, and accountability must be promoted. We expect Resident Coordinators to be guided by clear reporting lines, respect national sovereignty and processes, and work hand-in-hand with governments. We agree with the Deputy Secretary-General, that the profiles of RCs need to be matched well with the development needs of countries through consultation with governments.
3. Fully aligning the Cooperation Framework with UN agencies’ country programme documents remains a challenge.  We highly encourage better coordination of schedules and working methods with the governing bodies and boards of UN agencies.
4. Effective governance and monitoring of the Cooperation Framework is crucial so that support remains tailored and driven by realities on the ground.  We recently convened the 1st Joint Steering Committee of the Cooperation Framework in the Philippines.
5. Lastly, we note with concern the funding gap and need for a renewed and ambitious funding compact, primary focus of which should be national development priorities, and not overdependence on earmarked resources.

In conclusion, the Philippines supports UNDS reform and looks forward to joint efforts to further strengthen the UN’s delivery of much needed development cooperation.

Thank you.