Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, at the interactive session with the Executive Director of the UNDP Administrator - June 4th, 2024

Dear UNDP Administrator,

It is an honor to address you today at this Annual Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS. As we convene here in New York, we are reminded of the critical importance of our collective efforts in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world, and our share commitment of eradicating poverty, and ensuring a better future for all.

First and foremost, I would like to commend the UNDP Administrator and the entire team for their unwavering dedication and achievements in 2023. Your efforts in promoting sustainable development and enhancing the resilience of communities worldwide have been notable. The progress we have made together stands as a testament to the power of solidarity and international cooperation, including in its South-South dimension.

As we reflect on the past year, several key achievements deserve our attention. The successful implementation of innovative programmes that address climate change, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth has significantly advanced our collective goals.

Brazil particularly applauds the emphasis on fostering local partnerships and empowering communities to take ownership of their development journeys, based also in the imperative to implement the 2030 Agenda in its totality.

In the upcoming years left for the Strategic Plan of the UNDP, it is extremely important that we build on these successes by focusing on strategic priorities that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals. These include prioritizing our collective efforts to eradicating poverty and all forms of hunger and combating the adverse effects of climate change. The Brazilian Presidency of the G20 and the upcoming COP 30 on climate are a clear example of our unwavering commitment to this agenda.

On that note, we also appreciate the active role of the UNDP as the secretariat of the Group of 20 Sustainable Finance Working Group, in support of the goals expressed by the Brazilian presidency of the Group in 2024.

Dear Administrator,

There are many other fields in which we have seen concrete and positive impact through the work of the UNDP, and I can highlight some of them:

1. Good governance and strong institutions are the bedrock of sustainable development. These efforts are vital in ensuring that development gains are equitable and inclusive for all, in particular for developing countries. In this sense, we should also prioritize capacity-building within and among developing countries to empower them to effectively manage resources and deliver essential services to their populations.

2. Economic growth must be inclusive and benefit all segments of society. Brazil encourages UNDP to continue its focus on creating decent jobs, supporting small and medium enterprises, and

fostering innovation. Additionally, expanding social protection systems is critical in safeguarding vulnerable populations from economic shocks and ensuring that no one is left behind.

3. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to achieving sustainable development. Brazil commends UNDP’s efforts in this regard and calls for intensified actions to eliminate gender-based violence, promote women’s economic empowerment, and ensure equal participation of women in decision-making processes.

4. In our rapidly changing world, technology and innovation are powerful tools for development. Brazil supports UNDP’s initiatives to harness digital technologies for sustainable development. Bridging the digital divide and ensuring that technological advancements benefit all, especially the marginalized, will be pivotal in our efforts to achieve the SDGs.

5. Achieving sustainable development requires collaboration and partnerships at all levels. Brazil reaffirms its commitment to working closely with UNDP and other member states to foster complementarities and guarantee that the needs and priorities of developing countries are adequately addressed. South-South and triangular cooperation offer, in that regard, unique opportunities for sharing best practices and scaling up successful development interventions.

Mr. Administrator,

As I have already anticipated to you in recent opportunities, Brazil is still concerned with some gaps in the implementation of the UNDP’s mandate.

Firstly, we would like to highlight our preoccupation regarding the continued declined in regular (core) and other (flexible) resources

for the Programme. We share the view that this trend can put the very execution of the Programme’s mandate in jeopardy. As we can see from the MTR report, the Latin American and the Caribbean region continues to be one of the least funded among developing world and we would like to hear your views on the reason for that and how we can overcome this negative trend.

Secondly, we are concerned with the current level of engagement of the UNDP’s regional office with the countries in the LAC region. It’s been years since the last meeting between the governments of the region and the UNDP Regional Bureau (RBLAC). These regional sessions are key to discuss the activities of the Regional Program, which includes the application of the resources that this program receives from the central budget of the agency.

Moreover, UNDP field offices need to be aware that not only projects with public bodies need to be processed by the government authorities responsible for the subject of international cooperation, but also other types of partnership (equivalent to projects or even one-off activities) involving the private sector, civil society entities and sub-national entities.

Mr. Administrator,

In conclusion, we face significant challenges, but there are also good opportunities. By working together with determination and a shared vision, we can overcome obstacles and create a world that is more just, equitable, and sustainable. Brazil stands ready to contribute actively to these efforts and looks forward to continued collaboration with UNDP.

Thank you.