EU Statement – UN ECOSOC Operational Activities Segment: High-level Dialogue with the UN Secretary-General

Check against delivery  Thank you, Secretary-General, for your remarks. We also appreciate Poland’s leadership as ECOSOC Vice-President during this year’s Operational Activities for Development segment. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the EU and its Member States. The Candidate Countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement. The EU and its Member States reaffirm our commitment to effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order with the United Nations at its core. We believe last year’s QCPR outcome can better guide the UN development system to address gaps and deliver more effectively, collaboratively, and coherently, leaving no one behind. This is especially important amid reduced funding, ongoing reforms, and the UN 80 Initiative. We have three key messages:1. Progress in UNDS Reform We welcome the SG’s Report on QCPR, showing 98% of host governments confirm that UN country teams effectively respond to national SDG priorities. This reflects progress from ongoing reform. We recognize the Resident Coordinator’s role in providing leadership, advancing the UN’s normative agenda, reducing duplication, and promoting collective SDG action. Reported efficiency gains of over USD 596 million in 2024—mainly through shared services and premises—are encouraging. These measures should be scaled up across UN Country...