The European Union, speaking as a donor at the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS on 10 June 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and reform-oriented UN development system, urging UNDP to leverage its unique field presence and expertise in fragile contexts while deepening collaboration with the private sector and international financial institutions. The statement, delivered at the Interactive Dialogue with the UNDP Administrator in New York, outlined three key priorities: supporting the UN80 reform process, valuing UNDP's comprehensive development approach, and encouraging strategic prioritisation amid growing multilateral pressures.
The EU strongly backed the UN80 process as a chance to improve effectiveness, efficiency, coordination and impact across the UN system, calling for maximum ambition guided by transparency and evidence-based decision-making. It welcomed UNDP's leadership in advancing reform and encouraged a constructive role in shaping a more coherent UN development architecture. The EU also reiterated support for a more integrated UN presence at country level under the One UN approach, led by the Resident Coordinator, to reduce fragmentation.
Highlighting UNDP's 360-degree development approach, the EU noted that over half of UNDP's expenditure last year went to fragile and crisis-affected contexts, aligning with the EU's Global Gateway strategy to mobilise sustainable investment through strengthened governance and regulatory frameworks. The EU sees potential for deeper collaboration in de-risking investments and fostering public-private partnerships.
The EU posed three questions to the Administrator: how UNDP intends to position itself within the evolving UN system and its key priorities; assessment of UN80 progress and opportunities for ambitious reform; and how UNDP can strengthen partnerships with the private sector and development finance institutions to mobilise investment for the Sustainable Development Goals.
The statement was delivered on behalf of the EU as a donor, with no prior coverage of this specific dialogue in the last 180 days.