Executive Board Session – August 25, 2025
Australia welcomes the UNDP Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 and commits to endorsing this framework alongside Executive Board members. This statement addresses three critical priorities shaping Australia’s position on the Strategic Plan and UNDP’s future direction.
UNDP’s Essential Role in Global Development
UNDP’s mandate remains absolutely indispensable for implementing the 2030 Agenda and advancing Sustainable Development Goals globally. Australia strongly endorses UNDP’s explicit commitment to human rights protection, democratic governance, and rule of law especially in fragile and transitional settings.
- ★ Crisis cycle breaking – UNDP plays key role preventing recurring conflicts and emergencies
- ★ Conflict prevention focus – proactive intervention preventing future disasters and instability
- ★ Systems integration – connecting humanitarian, development and peacebuilding operations
- ★ Human rights advancement – protecting fundamental freedoms in vulnerable nations
- ★ Democratic institution building – strengthening governance and rule of law systems
- ★ Comprehensive approach – addressing interconnected development and peace challenges
As 2030 approaches rapidly, Australia urges UNDP to intensify and sharpen delivery efforts ensuring the 2030 Agenda reaches all populations without exception. The principle of “leaving no one behind” demands accelerated momentum and strategic focus across all development programming.
Multilateral System Reform and Transparency
Current global instability underscores the urgent necessity for swift, meaningful multilateral reform. Australia recognizes the Strategic Plan’s acknowledgment of these sobering realities and emphasizes reform urgency throughout the United Nations system.
Australia specifically requests transparent, concrete information detailing UNDP’s response to the UN80 Initiative. Member States require clear understanding of how UNDP targets efficiency gains while preserving core development focus and impact.
- → Efficiency optimization – streamlining operations while maintaining development effectiveness
- → Transparent reporting – concrete data on reform implementation and progress
- → UN80 alignment – demonstrating commitment to multilateral reform initiatives
- → Core mission preservation – ensuring reforms strengthen rather than weaken mandate
- → Member state engagement – regular communication on strategic priorities and achievements
Critical to reform efforts is strengthening foundational UN principles rather than diluting them. Reform frameworks must enhance—not compromise—the UN’s global leadership in peace, development, and human rights advancement.
Pacific Island Countries and Regional Support
Through the Strategic Plan and Regional Plan for Asia and the Pacific, UNDP must maintain unwavering support for Pacific Island Countries. These nations face disproportionate vulnerabilities as Small Island Developing States confronting unique environmental and economic challenges.
Protecting Pacific achievements remains essential while charting resilient pathways enabling regional stability. The region confronts relentless climate impacts and financial shocks demanding sustained international commitment and targeted support.
UNDP’s continued engagement ensures Pacific nations receive necessary resources and technical assistance addressing climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development. Australia emphasizes that no region should be abandoned during global transitions and reform processes.
Australia’s Commitment Forward
Australia stands fully prepared to support Strategic Plan adoption and commits to active partnership ensuring effective implementation. This framework represents critical progress toward global development goals and sustainable, peaceful, prosperous futures.
Through continued collaboration, Australia and UNDP will advance shared development objectives strengthening global systems addressing poverty, inequality, and climate challenges facing humanity.