National Statement at Executive Board of UNDP

Mr. President, Administrator, Excellencies, dear colleagues,

I would like to thank you, Administrator Steiner for presenting us with a panorama of opportunities and challenges to reach the aims we as a global community have jointly set out in the 2030 Agenda, with the well-being of all human beings, and the sustainable future of our planet, at the centre of our attention.

Against this backdrop, let me also express my appreciation for the report on financing the results of the UNDP Strategic Plan, 2022–2025, and overview of the financial situation.

Sweden welcomes progress towards the commitments in the Funding Compact, and the sound financing situation of UNDP, despite challenges in these times of multiple crises.

Sweden remains a committed supporter of the UN development system. Our overall development expenditure, which stands at approximately 0.9% of GNI also speaks volumes about our engagement for the Sustainable Development Goals. It is important, however, to recognize that we find ourselves in an era of immense pressure on financial resources – and we too need to make tough priorities.

Currently, ten donors contribute 85 per cent of flexible funding to the UN development system. This, as we have stated many times before, is not sustainable. We would like to encourage additional member states to step forward to meet the commitments in the UN Funding Compact. Let me stress that a disproportionately large share of the foundations of the UN development agencies cannot continue to rest on a few donor countries, Sweden included.

We believe that funding the UN system should reflect the multilateral character of the system itself, as well as the economic realities of today. We encourage UNDP to continue efforts to broaden the donor base, and welcome strategic partnerships, and new innovative ideas both in implementation, and in financing.

Let me also be clear, Administrator, that Swedish contributions come with the highest of expectations as regards effectiveness, transparency, and results achievement, in relation to our investments – especially at country level.

Sweden underlines that accountability structures must be upheld to the highest standards. They are means to an end - for UNDP - to deliver development results effectively and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Let me conclude by commending UNDP for its efforts in Ukraine, and for presenting the board with UNDP’s Country Programme Document for Ukraine 2025-2029 at this session.

Thank you.