Martin Praises Progress In United Nations Reform

The initiative, led by Ireland in partnership with Tanzania is intended to improve the delivery of development assistance by the United Nations at country level.

The countries' Ambassadors to the UN in New York have chaired the "UN System-wide Coherence" process since the beginning of the year, supported by Irish Aid.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, T.D., welcoming the breakthrough, said: "Ireland is absolutely committed to the reform of the United Nations and we have developed a strong reputation for leadership in this area.

"The adoption of the Resolution is a significant moment for the reform of UN development system."

Minister of State Peter Power, T.D., added: "Ireland's over-riding priority in dealing with our UN partners is to ensure aid is delivered effectively and efficiently.

"We decided as early as 2006 that we would take on the challenge of this reform process and our people in New York, in the field in Africa and Asia and at headquarters, have worked hard to bring about the result we have achieved at the General Assembly."

The Resolution, which was adopted by consensus, gives a positive political impetus to efforts to bring together the fragmented UN development system.

A Pilot programme in eight countries has seen bodies such as UNICEF, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) agreeing a single operational plan and budget based on the priorities of the host Government.

In the past each of these agencies operated on an individual basis. Ireland actively supports pilots in Vietnam and Tanzania via its Embassies in those countries.

The Resolution also commits the Assembly to taking an early decision to rationalise the various UN bodies dealing with gender equality and the empowerment of women around the world.

Advocates of this reform have called for a single UN entity which can advance women's interests at inter-governmental level and work with women's groups in the field.

The outgoing President of the General Assembly, Macedonian Srgian Kerim, hailed the outcome as a highlight of the just concluded 62nd session.

He paid tribute to "outstanding leadership" of Ireland's chairmanship in bridging deep divisions among the UN member States on the long intractable issues involved.  The gender dimension was warmly greeted by worldwide networks of women's non governmental organistaions. 

June Zeitlin, Chair of Women's Environment and Development Organisation (WEDO) said: "We welcome the step taken by the General Assembly in its resolution to strengthen the United Nations system to deliver on their commitments to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women."