Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, at the first informal plenary meeting with DSG Amina Mohammed about the funding of the UN Resident Coordinator System - October 27th, 2023

Thank you, Excellency.

At the outset, Brazil associates itself with the statement delivered by Cuba on behalf of the G77. Rest assured that we stand by all relevant multilateral mandates and commitments pertaining to the functioning and repositioning of the UN Development System (UNDS).

We are highly appreciative of its contribution to the development of program countries like my own. Brazil remains concerned with the funding trajectory of the system, reeling from persistent challenges in terms of quality, quantity, sustainability and predictability, with dire consequences for its public and multilateral nature.

The situation also affects country ownership and the system’s ability to support implementation of the sustainable development goals in a comprehensive and balanced manner.

Madam DSG,

We would like to applaud your initiative to conduct these dialogues on the financial sustainability of both the UNDS as a whole and the Resident Coordinator System (RC System) in particular. As we get prepared to engage, let us voice some of our preliminary expectations on the process.

We hold the view that our dialogue should be – and remain throughout - transparent, inclusive, and open-ended, draw on lessons learned from previous engagements and follow a bottom-up approach that gradually builds consensus around an option or a set of options for improved funding predictability.

We should aim for outcomes that are considered both effective and legitimate by the membership, with no a priori exclusions of elements to be scrutinized or considered.

We recognize the enhanced accountability and transparency of the RC System, as accomplished in recent times. And we encourage further progress in this respect. That said, we believe there are some information gaps that are yet to be filled.

We should collectively seize this chance to try and bridge that knowledge gap, which will bolster trust in the system, help make informed and proportionate decisions and send out the right incentives for increased solidarity.

When appraising possible options and solutions, we need to be mindful of the broader picture of financing for international cooperation for development. Meager voluntary contributions to the RC System are but one more symptom of a larger trend that entails faltering ODA, creative tally of Financing for Development, decreasing regular resources, increasing earmarked funds.

Nor can we disregard the fact that financial commitments willingly undertaken in the past have not translated into sufficient and adequate funding to date.

It is also imperative that due regard be paid to financial implications for developing countries, already burdened by fiscal constraints and a challenging financial landscape. That also highlights the importance of weighing systemic implications of a transfer of burden to program countries, who, as rightly pointed out in this year´s SG report, have been increasingly cofinancing their own country programs, while “facing the full brunt of effects from cascading food, energy and finance crises”.

Madam DSG,

In concluding, let there be no mistake about our utmost commitment to a UN development system that is fit for purpose and relies on sufficient, adequate, predictable and sustainable funding. That´s the spirit in which we intend to take part in these consultations.

Thank you.