8th meeting - Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS (Annual Session 2025)

Buenas tardes, vamos a instalarnos, por favor. Distinguidos delegados, declaro abierta la octava reunión del periodo de sesiones de 2025 de la Junta Ejecutiva del PNUD, UNPA y UNOPS. Este segmento se celebra de conformidad con el reglamento de la Junta Ejecutiva y el plan de trabajo anual aprobado. Pasamos ahora a examinar el punto 12 del orden del día: Programas por países del PNUD y asuntos conexos. Doy la bienvenida al podio. Al señor Haoliang Xu, administrador adjunto del PNUD, y a la señora Auna Eshankowa, administradora adjunta y directora de la Oficina Regional para África. Distinguidos delegados, se presenta un documento del programa del país para su examen y aprobación de conformidad con la Decisión 2014/7 de la Junta Ejecutiva. Este es el documento del programa para Etiopía en la región de África. También se pide a la Junta Ejecutiva aprobar la cuarta prórroga de un año del programa para Burkina Faso, tomar nota de la primera prórroga de 6 meses del programa para Sudáfrica y tomar nota de la primera prórroga de un año del programa para Sudán del Sur. Doy ahora la palabra al señor Xu para que formule sus observaciones introductorias, a las que seguirá la presentación de la señora Esiankonwa. Por favor, señor Xu, tiene usted la palabra.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, distinguished members of the board, colleagues and friends. Today, UNDP presents one new country program for your approval for Ethiopia. In a moment, my colleague Ahuna will share more details about it. Now, I will focus my comments more broadly on the innovations UNDP has made to ensure that our programmes remain effective instruments of development support. With our partners, UNDP continues to deliver impact during times of disruption, thanks to dynamic, risk-informed programmatic instruments. For example, the portfolio approach, launched last year, provides a unique value proposition and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders to address complex systemic challenges. The NDP also invests in horizon scanning and foresight to better understand the future development challenges, along with impact measurement methodologies to provide great insight into our contributions. Our current strategic plan, in its final year of implementation, emphasizes digitalization, innovation, and development financing as enablers which enhance our ability to achieve greater impact. We are pleased to announce that UNDP country programs increasingly take a systems lens to analyze development challenges and propose integrated solutions. These innovations leverage the defining principles of UNDP's programming, these principles which include national ownership. Our programs are demand-driven, anchored in national priorities, and responsive to country needs. And climate action, building resilience and supporting nationally determined contributions. Quality programming. UNDP also ensures that our programs are instruments of the highest quality, formulated to achieve joint UN results. In line with the UN development system reform, each country program Each of these CPDs is aligned with its respective UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, reflecting our commitment to be in compliance with the QCPR and the Management Accountability Framework, reinforcing coherence, accountability, and impact across initiatives. It is important to note that UNDP CPDs The Country Programme does not simply inherit the outcomes of the cooperation framework, but also articulates how we will contribute to them based on our comparative advantages. Together with our UN agencies, we unpack these outcomes into joint plans, adopting shared results and indicators, ensuring coordination and aligning resources. Presented to the Board has been reviewed and endorsed by the Regional Coordinator, confirming its alignment with the Cooperation Framework priorities. Esteemed members of the Board, as the President noted, in addition to the CPD for Ethiopia for your approval, we also seek your approval for the extension of the Country Programme for Burkina Faso. The programs for South Africa and South Sudan have been granted their first extensions to align them with the UN Cooperation Framework cycle. We look forward to your deliberation and support. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Gracias a usted, señor Xu. La señora Esiakongwa tiene la palabra, por favor.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President of the UNDP Executive Board, distinguished members of this Executive Board, esteemed Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic— Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and of course representatives of all our member states who are present, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. Really pleased today to present for your approval to this annual session of the Joint UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board the Country Program Document for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In addition, as we just heard from the Associate Administrator, the 4th-year CPD extension for Burkina Faso is also submitted for your endorsement, while the first CPD extensions for South Africa and South Sudan have also been approved by the Administrator and are presented for information. Mr. President, distinguished members, Ethiopia is at a pivotal moment. It is emerging from the combined effects and shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflicts that it has experienced in the northern part of the country, while at the same time undergoing very bold economic reforms. The country's macroeconomic outlook is actually quite positive. Real GDP growth reached 8.1% in 2024, and is projected to remain strong. This is driven by robust performance in the industrial, services, and agriculture sectors. Inflation is on a downward trend, supported by sound macroeconomic management and prudent policy actions, including the flotation of the currency in July 2024. These measures have helped to narrow the exchange rate gap and also catalyzed significant international support, notably securing an extended credit facility from the IMF and additional financial support from the World Bank. But despite this progress, Ethiopia continues to face pressing humanitarian and development challenges. The government has prioritized protection of the most vulnerable through expanded safety net programs, continued fertilizer subsidies, and civil servants' salary adjustments. While it is doing this, it is also phasing out utility subsidies and advancing fiscal and debt management reforms that are focused on safeguarding social spending and improving revenue mobilization. In this context, the 2025-2030 Country Programme Document, anchored on the principle of leaving no one behind, is designed to be responsive as much as possible and also forward-looking, supporting the governments efforts through 3 strategic pillars. The first is strengthening democratic governance and peacebuilding. Second pillar is advancing inclusive economic transformation with a focus specifically on micro, small, and medium enterprises. Focus on youth. and a focus on women. The third is promoting climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Mr. President, distinguished Executive Board members, as is really our standard practice, the country program document was developed through extensive consultations with the government of Ethiopia, in the first instance, and also a broad array of stakeholders, including, of course, our sister UN agencies, the UN system overall, bilateral, multilateral partners, civil society partners, and, of course, the private sector. The draft program document before you is tailored to the national development priorities It is fully aligned with Ethiopia's 10-year development plan, the homegrown economic reform agenda, the NDCs, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, but also the agendas of the UN and the African Union. It also reflects the core elements of the UNDP strategic plan, which is currently being finalized, 2026. To 2029, ensuring continued strategic coherence and relevance. Mr. President, distinguished members of the Executive Board, at a time when development needs in Africa are both urgent and expansive, the Ethiopia Country Program document presents a timely and strategic opportunity for deepened partner engagement. Evidence continues to demonstrate that that development cooperation is not only a moral imperative, but it is also a smart economic strategy. For instance, a recent policy brief by ODIHR, which is titled Modeling the Impact of EU Aid on EU Economies, shows that every €1 invested in EU aid yields a total return of €1.50. While this study focuses on the EU, the broader message is actually clear: investing in development, especially in dynamic and high-potential contexts such as Ethiopia, generates shared benefits, bolsters global prosperity, and reinforces long-term economic interdependence. These findings underscore the value of sustaining and scaling up development cooperation, particularly in the Africa region, where the dividends of shared prosperity and mutual benefit are increasingly evident. As we say in UNDP Africa, the Africa we want is really the Africa the world needs. We hope that the Ethiopia Country Program Document will garner the continued and reinforced support of development partners, given its strong potential to generate national, regional, and global gains. Mr. President, we respectfully request the Executive Board's approval of the CPD for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the 4th year CPD extension for Burkina Faso. We also note, for the Board's information, the Administrator's approval of the first CPD extensions for South Africa and South Sudan. I really would like here to reiterate my appreciation to the government of Ethiopia for the continued collaboration and to reaffirm UNDP's commitment to supporting the government and the people of Ethiopia in delivering on this program and to working closely with all partners to achieve its objectives. Allow me to conclude, Mr. President, by expressing our sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, and to all members of the Executive Board for your continued support to the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa and to all program countries under its coverage. I thank you for your attention.

Thank you.

Gracias a usted, directora de la Oficina Regional para África. Le ofrezco la palabra al distinguido representante permanente de Etiopía y vicepresidente de esta junta.

Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor. Distinguished members of the Executive Board, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor for me to address the Executive Board in my national capacity as a representative of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the Country Programme Document, CPD, for the period July 2025 to June 2030. At the outset, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme for its partnership, and to the Executive Board for its steadfast support to countries like Ethiopia in our efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. The CPD is the outcome of a broad and inclusive consultation process involving government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. It's fully aligned with Ethiopia's 10-Year Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025-2030. The document outlines a 5-year strategic framework built around 3 key pillars that reflect our national priorities, as indicated by the ESG earlier. The first one, democratic governance and sustaining peace. This pillar focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, advancing national dialogue and transitional justice, and deepening civil service and electoral reforms. It promotes inclusive governance by ensuring the active participation of women and youth in peacebuilding and leadership processes. The second pillar, inclusive economic transformation. This pillar seeks to foster equitable and sustainable economic growth through private sector development, expanded access to finance for MSMEs and startups, and the creation of decent jobs. Emphasis is placed on digital innovation, particularly for youth and women, as a driver of inclusive growth. Our 3rd pillar is resilience and environmental sustainability. This component aims to enhance Ethiopia's ability to respond to the climate and environmental challenges through stronger disaster risk management, increased access to affordable renewable energy, and promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices. Mobilizing climate finance is also central to achieving a green, resilient economy. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, these strategic priorities are designed to address Ethiopia's development challenges, ranging from poverty to environmental vulnerability, to building peace through an integrated and forward-looking approach. To realize these priorities, a total of $279.3 million is required over the next 5 years. This CPD is not only a strategic document; it represents a shared commitment to results grounded in national ownership, and informed by the lessons of the 2024 Independent Country Programme Evaluation. We respectfully request the Executive Board's endorsement and call on all partners to support its successful implementation. The Government of Ethiopia reaffirms its full commitment to the partnership and its effective delivery. I thank you, Mr. President.

Gracias. Muchas gracias a usted, distinguido embajador. No tenemos más pedidos de palabra. No sé si el administrador o la directora regional desean hacer algún comentario respecto de lo que acaba de decir el representante de Etiopía, quien creo que ha sido bastante claro, por lo cual podemos de esta manera declarar concluido nuestro examen.

Muchas gracias.

del documento del programa para Etiopía de conformidad con la decisión 2014/7 de la Junta Ejecutiva. Y de no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta desea aprobar el documento del programa del PNUD para Etiopía. No veo objeción alguna. Así queda decidido. Un breve cambio de podio y ojalá podamos continuar con este espíritu durante toda la sesión. Veamos qué sucede. Continuamos ahora con el punto 17 del orden del día, en el marco del segmento del UNFPA, Programas por Países LUMPA y Asuntos Conexos. Me complace dar la bienvenida al podio a la señora Diane Keita, directora ejecutiva adjunta de programas; a la señora Lidia Sigomo, directora regional para África Oriental y Meridional. Distinguidos delegados, colegas: el nuevo documento del programa para Etiopía se presenta para su examen y aprobación de conformidad con la Decisión 2014/7 de la Junta Ejecutiva. También se pide a esta Junta Ejecutiva que tome nota de la primera prórroga de 6 meses del documento del programa para Sudáfrica. Doy ahora la palabra a la señora Diane Keita, directora ejecutiva adjunta, para que formule algunas observaciones introductorias. Diane, por favor, tiene usted la palabra.

Muchísimas gracias, señor presidente. Muy buenas tardes. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it's an honor to address you today and introduce Item 17, UNFPA Country Programs and Related Matters. Today we present the new Ethiopia Country Program document for 2025-2030 from the East and Southern Africa region. The total budget is $140.4 million, with 17% allocated from regular resources. The program was developed through close collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, the UN Country Team, and diverse national and regional stakeholders. It fully upholds the principle of national ownership. This marks UNFPA's 10th program cycle in Ethiopia. It aligns strongly with Ethiopia's national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The program reflects UNFPA's unwavering commitment to advancing the ICPD Programme of Action, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the UNFPA Strategic Plan. It also builds on lessons learned from previous evaluations and has undergone rigorous internal quality assurance. Across Africa, progress is evident. Since 2000, maternal mortality has decreased by 40% in sub-Saharan Africa, In 2024 alone, UNFPA contributed to the prevention of 6.2 million unintended pregnancies and helped 6.5 million adolescents to access youth-friendly services in Eastern and Southern Africa. Yet, this progress remains fragile. Conflict, climate disruption, growing inequalities, and limited fiscal space continue to threaten hard-earned gains. We face growing resistance to sexual and reproductive health, stagnation in family planning uptake, and rising gender-based violence, especially in humanitarian contexts. Against this background, the Ethiopia Country Program aims to protect progress and scale what works. Let me highlight 4 key areas. First, we aim to double our impact in family planning. From 9 million couple-years of protection achieved in the last cycle, we now target 19 million. By 2030. Second, we will continue to support Ethiopia in reducing maternal mortality, which dropped 70% between 2000 and 2020. By strengthening health systems, midwifery, and maternal services, we aim to halve maternal mortality again during this cycle. Third, we will scale up efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices. In the last cycle, over 1,000 communities pledged to end child marriage and female genital mutilation. We will work with government and local partners to reach even more communities going forward. Finally, we will invest in Ethiopia's youth. More than 1.3 million adolescents received life skills education in the last cycle. The new program aims to reach 2.5 million in line with National Adolescent Health and HIV Prevention Strategy. The Ethiopia CPD presented today is also guided by a strategic foresight analysis, identifying political governance and domestic financing as critical drivers for future success. The program emphasizes not only proven intervention, but also adaptability, collective action, and shift from traditional to more diversified financing model. Our goal is to ensure sustainability in a rapidly evolving environment. In a few moments, the Regional Director will offer further insight to the program. Distinguished delegates, in addition to Ethiopia Country Program presented for approval, the Board may wish to note that the Executive Director has approved a 6-month extension of the South Africa Country Program in line with established procedure. We thank you for your feedback during the formal commenting period and for your ongoing support for UNFPA work. Together, we can ensure that women and girls everywhere live healthy, dignified, and empowered lives. I thank you for your kind attention.

Muchas gracias, señora Keita. Le invito a la señora Sigomo a hacer uso de la palabra. Tiene usted la palabra, por favor.

Mr.

Chair, distinguished members of the Executive Board, Ethiopia, a cornerstone of the Horn of Africa, Africa stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and transformative potential of a nation committed to inclusive development. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and youthful population, Ethiopia is forging a path of resilience, innovation, and hope, creating opportunities where challenges once prevailed. One remarkable example comes from the town of Hewane, Tigray, where a group of mothers have shown extraordinary resilience. These women, whose lives were disrupted by conflict, have turned adversity into opportunity. With UNFPA's support, they received psychological counseling, skills training in sheep husbandry, and financial literacy. What began as a path to recovery has evolved into a thriving cooperative embodying unity, empowerment, and resilience. The journey of these women reflects the resilience and determination that define Ethiopia and the broader Eastern Southern Africa region. Their story shows how community-driven solutions and women-led empowerment are shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for all. It is with this spirit of resilience and ambition that I present the draft Country Programme for Ethiopia for the period 2025 to 2030. A forward-looking program designed to accelerate progress in the final stretch towards the 2030 Agenda. The program builds on Ethiopia's commitment to the UNFPA transformative results and supports national efforts to advance gender equality, improve maternal and reproductive health, and harness the potential of its young people as the country works towards its long-term vision for inclusive and sustainable development. As UNFPA, we are proud to note that in the last 2 decades, Ethiopia's maternal mortality ratio declined from 871 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 267 per 100,000 live births in 2020. The modern contraceptive prevalence rate among married women increased from 14% in 2005 to 41% in 2019.

Thank you.

During the last country program, over $130 million was mobilized against a $146 million non-core resource target, underscoring the impact of collaborative efforts and country-led strategic interventions. Amid this progress, Ethiopia acknowledges persistent challenges requiring enhanced action, including the high maternal mortality ratio, Gender-based violence and harmful practices like FGM that remain prevalent, and significant data gaps that continue to hinder progress. Shifts in the financing landscape and humanitarian crisis exacerbate these issues, further restricting access to essential services. Distinguished members of the Board, with a $140 million funding envelope, the UNFPA Country Programme for Ethiopia will support the Government of Ethiopia in achieving measurable impacts to address these challenges. Through strategic shifts aimed at enhancing quality of services, building resilience, empowering women and youth, and leveraging innovation and partnerships, UNFPA seeks to drive transformative change. UNFPA will leverage its comparative advantage as the lead UN agency in sexual and reproductive health and family planning within both development and humanitarian contexts. This includes its role as the cluster lead agency, co-lead of the National GBV Area of Responsibility, the SRH Working Group, and the primary agency for census and UN Joint Programs on Statistics. Mr. President, I extend my gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia, our development partners, and donors for their unwavering support. We look forward to continued collaboration.

Gracias a usted, señora Sigamo. Voy a ofrecer ahora la palabra al distinguido representante de Etiopía para que presente su declaración. Tiene usted la palabra, distinguido embajador y vicepresidente de esta junta.

Thank you, Mr. President. Distinguished members of the Executive Board, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the current Country Programme CPD marks the 10th cycle of a longstanding partnership with UNFPA, one that has brought significant progress in maternal health, gender equality, family planning, and data-driven policymaking. Under the previous CPD, Youth centers were expanded, reproductive and maternal health services enhanced, and GBV prevention and response efforts strengthened. The 2025-2030 CPD is fully aligned with Ethiopia's 10-Year Development Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025-2030, and the SDGs. The CPD focuses on the following national priorities, as indicated by the Deputy Executive Director: expanding quality integrated services, including maternal and newborn care, family planning, and HIV prevention, among others; addressing harmful gender and social norms, that drive violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation; strengthening data systems and demographic intelligence, including support for the delayed National Population and Housing Census; empowering young people with the skills, services, and platforms they need to reach their potential; and enhancing resilience through improved humanitarian preparedness. Preparedness across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. To realize these priorities, a total of $140 million is required over the next 5 years. Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this programme is designed to empower women, youth, persons with disabilities, and displaced populations by leveraging innovation, technology, and South-South cooperation to boost impact and national capacity. The Government of Ethiopia is fully committed and requests the approval of the Executive Board for the 2025-2030 UNFPA Country Programme, reaffirming our shared commitment to dignity, health, and opportunity for young people, particularly women and girls. I thank you, Mr. President.

Gracias a usted, embajador. Con esto concluye nuestro examen del documento del programa del UNPA para Etiopía, de conformidad con la Decisión 2014/7 de la Junta Ejecutiva. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta desea aprobar el el documento del programa UNPA para Etiopía. No veo ninguna objeción, queda así decidido.

Microphone.

Distinguidos delegados, por último, de no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea tomar nota de la primera prórroga de 6 meses del programa para Sudáfrica que ha sido aprobada por la directora ejecutiva, tal como se presenta en el documento DP/FPA/2025/8. No veo ninguna decisión. Queda así decidido. Con esto concluye el examen del punto 17 del orden del día, Programas del UNPA por Países y Asuntos Conexos. Tenemos ahora unos minutos para el cambio de podio.

Gracias.

Ahora vamos al punto 8 del orden del día, el último punto del segmento conjunto, se refiere a las visitas de campo, informe de la visita del Consejo Ejecutivo a la República de Moldova y Ucrania. Las visitas de campo de la Junta Ejecutiva proporcionan a los miembros información directa sobre la labor de las entidades y la presencia más amplia de Naciones Unidas a nivel de los países. Los resultados de la visita de campo a Moldavia y Ucrania ya se presentaron en el primer periodo ordinario de sesiones de 2025. En consecuencia, esta presentación no tiene sentido que se repita. El informe oficial además ya está disponible en el sitio web de la Junta Ejecutiva. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta desea tomar nota del informe de la visita de campo de la Junta Ejecutiva del PNUD, el UNPA y la UNOPS a la República de Moldavia y Ucrania. Queda así decidido. Con esto concluye nuestro debate en el marco del segmento Distinguidos colegas, voy a suspender la sesión. Hasta las 4:10 minutos. Nos volvemos a juntar a las 4:10 en punto, por favor. Gracias.

Gracias, señor presidente. Pasamos ahora al punto 20 del orden del día: Otros asuntos, adopción de decisiones.

Gracias, señora Jafari, por acompañarme en el podio. Secretaria, como ustedes saben, Maza es la secretaria de la Junta Ejecutiva del PNUD, el UNPA y UNOPS y me guiará en esta parte de la sesión. La Junta examinará ahora la adopción de las 13 decisiones presentadas por la Junta Ejecutiva. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 2, información actualizada sobre las actividades de aplicación de la reorientación del sistema de Naciones Unidas para el desarrollo queda así decidido. De no haber objeciones, Consideraré que el Consejo Ejecutivo desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 3, auditoría interna e investigación. Punto 3, auditoría interna e investigación. Pasaremos al punto 4, ética. De no haber objeciones, Consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto cuatro ética. Queda así decidido. Pasaremos al punto cinco. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que el Consejo Ejecutivo Desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 5, protección sobre la explotación y el abuso sexuales y el acoso sexual. Queda así decidido. Consideraremos ahora el punto 9, informe anual del administrador del PNUD. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 9, informe anual del administrador Del PNUD. Queda así decidido. Tomaremos decisión sobre el punto 11, evaluación del PNUD. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 11. Evaluación del PNUD. Queda así decidido. Pasaremos ahora al punto 15. El punto 15 es sobre el informe anual de la directora ejecutiva del UNSPA. De no haber objeciones, Consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 15, informe anual de la directora ejecutiva del UNPA. Queda así decidido. Punto 16, evaluación del UNPA. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 16, evaluación del UNPA. Queda así decidido.

Punto 18.

De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 18, informe anual del director ejecutivo de la UNOPS. Queda así decidido. Pasaré al punto 19. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 19, evaluación formativa del programa de innovación y digitalización de procesos de UNOPS. Queda así decidido. Ahora consideraremos el punto 6, lucha contra el racismo y la discriminación racial. De no haber objeciones. Consideraré que el Consejo Ejecutivo desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 6, lucha contra el racismo y la discriminación racial. Queda así decidido. Pasaré ahora al punto 13. Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo de la Capitalización. Punto 13. Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo de la Capitalización. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que la Junta Ejecutiva desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 13. Queda así decidido. Consideraré ahora el punto 14, voluntarios de las Naciones Unidas. De no haber objeciones, consideraré que el Consejo Ejecutivo desea aprobar el proyecto de decisión sobre el punto 14. Queda así decidido. Las decisiones y deliberaciones de la junta en este periodo de sesiones se reflejarán en el informe del periodo de sesiones anual que se distribuirá A su debido tiempo. Pasamos ahora al punto 1 del orden del día, cuestiones organizativas. Examinaremos a continuación el plan de trabajo tentativo para el segundo periodo ordinario de sesiones de 2025. Invito a la secretaria de esta junta, señora Jafari, a presentar el plan de trabajo tentativo para el próximo periodo ordinario de sesiones. Tiene usted la palabra.

Thank you, Mr. President. Good afternoon, distinguished members of the Executive Board and observer delegations. As we conclude this annual session, allow me to provide a brief overview of the upcoming 2nd regular session of the Executive Board scheduled for 25— from 25 to 28 August. The tentative work plan for the session has been circulated for your consideration. It aligns with the Board's 2025 Annual Work Plan and has been reviewed by the Bureau. As always, it remains subject to adjustment if necessary. The session will open on Monday, 25 August, with organizational matters, during which the Board will adopt the work plan for the session and approve the report of the Annual Session 2025. This will be followed by the UNDP segment, including an interactive dialogue with the UNDP Administrator focusing on the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029, a review of the Regional Programme Documents 2026-2029, consideration of financial, budgetary, and administrative matters, including the Integrated Resources Plan and Budget Estimates 2026-2029, 2029, along with the ACABQ report and the UNDP Structured Funding Dialogue. On Tuesday, 26 August, the UNFPA segment will begin with a statement by the Executive Director, also focusing on the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026-2029, followed by review of the financial, budgetary, and administrative matters, including the Integrated Budget 2026-2029. 2029 and the ACABQ Report, and the UNFPA Structured Funding Dialogue. On Wednesday, 27 August, the UNOPS segment will begin with a statement by the Executive Director addressing the UNOPS Strategic Plan 2026-2029, the third-party review of the Comprehensive Response Plan and related management response, the program and funding for process innovation and digitalization. In the afternoon, the Board will consider the UNOPS financial and budgetary matters, including the budget estimates for the biennium and the ACABQ report, the UNDP evaluations with a return to the UNDP segment, and a continuation of the joint segment with an update on the assessment of how the Board executes its governance and oversight functions. On Thursday, 28 August, the UNDP and UNFPA segments will continue with country programs, and related matters. The session will close with a joint segment including adoption of the decisions for the 2nd Regular Session 2025, consideration of the draft annual work plan for 2026, and adoption of the tentative work plan for the 1st Regular Session 2026. Mr. President, it has been a true pleasure working closely with you, the Bureau, and all the distinguished members of the Executive Board and observer delegations throughout this productive annual session. My colleagues and I remain at your disposal and stand ready to support the board's work and important mandate. I am happy to respond to any questions. Thank you.

Gracias, señora Jafari. Si hubiesen preguntas, este es el momento para hacerlas. Bueno, gracias por hacernos las cosas sencillas, señora Jafari. Vamos a tomar unos breves minutos para dar lugar a la sesión de clausura, será también una sesión muy breve. Les agradezco por su paciencia, estábamos preparándonos para una sesión un poco más larga, así que esperamos que especialmente el administrador Steiner y la directora ejecutiva Canem puedan acompañarnos a la brevedad. Les agradezco no sólo a usted, sino a todos ustedes por hacer el trabajo de este presidente bastante sencillo, diría yo. Esperemos que esta tendencia continúe, pero no quiero anticiparme. Les doy unos minutos, démonos unos minutos para cambiar y organizar la sesión de clausura. Muchas gracias.

Muchas gracias, señora presidenta. Buenas tardes, queridos colegas. Les invito a tomar parte de esta sesión de clausura, trataremos de que sea También lo más rápida y constructiva posible. Yo voy a hacer unas pequeñas palabras. Tengo que confesarles que luego de lo productivo que fue el trabajo en la tarde me ha tocado cambiar el discurso que tenía preparado para este segmento. Así que los intérpretes van a tener que sufrir un poco con la improvisación que voy a tener que hacer, pero al concluir esta sesión anual deseo expresar mi sincero agradecimiento a todas las delegaciones por su activa participación, su espíritu constructivo y su compromiso con el trabajo de esta junta. Tengo dos puntos que abordar. Ojalá me hubiesen puesto a mí también el reloj y que me corten cuando comience a hablar demasiado y dar vueltas sobre lo mismo, pero bueno, son las ventajas de la presidencia, así que me tomaré un poco de tiempo con tranquilidad simplemente para decirles que abordo dos puntos. En primer lugar, todos sabemos lo discutido, de manera que no haré una síntesis de lo que todos sabemos ha sido discutido. Sí quiero agradecer a los facilitadores de las decisiones: Kurabachev, Dabesa, Etiopía; Huana, Diezing, Nueva Zelandia; Shoyong Kurbonov, Tayikistán; Andrei Mocanu, Rumanía; Lars Becker, Alemania; Elizabeth Méndez, Ecuador; Heidi Labidi, Túnez; Sasha Kay Watson, Jamaica; Stone Hawker, Bélgica; Lorena Feruta, Rumanía. Este trabajo que hicieron no es sencillo, les agradezco, pero sí Consideraron que en esta sesión el trabajo no fue sencillo. Esperemos a ver qué pasa en la próxima sesión en agosto, pero bueno, no quiero ponerles en aprietos. Ya lo veremos en su debido momento. También y antes de que se me escape, yo quiero agradecerle a la secretaría, a Masa Jafari, a todos quienes han estado a lo largo de esta sesión, a la señora Pirondini, le veo por allá, a todos, a todos, no quiero excluir a nadie de este trabajo. Y a los intérpretes, que realmente resulta difícil a veces con esto del reloj ahí corriendo y los delegados tratando de terminar los discursos, hacen malabares para poder seguir y dar sentido a lo que a veces No tiene sentido, pero en fin, muchas gracias a los colegas intérpretes por esto. Yo quiero sinceramente hacer referencia a lo que Bernard Shaw en su sátira muy profunda solía decir: la experiencia Nos enseña que la experiencia no nos enseña nada. Empero abrigo la esperanza de que las lecciones aprendidas nos ayuden a manejar el trabajo que tenemos y a cambiar aquello que sea necesario cambiar. Creo que siempre Es importante saber que la negociación de buena fe es fundamental, la diplomacia, esa es la esencia de la diplomacia, la negociación. Y hay veces que nosotros vemos el voto como una herramienta que puede sacarnos de la incomodidad de negociar. El voto es una herramienta muy importante, el voto Es una herramienta que está siempre presente, pero el voto no puede ser el refugio para evitar aquello que nosotros debemos tratar de lograr, esto es buscar la avenencia. Cuando nosotros imponemos el voto sabiendo que tenemos una mayoría, tampoco es lo más productivo. Pero yo creo que tenemos que trabajar sobre, sobre estos temas porque esa es, insisto, la esencia de nuestro trabajo. Quiero recuperar en este momento, pasar de la literatura irlandesa a una literatura quizás más cercana, la literatura española. Antonio Machado, también de hace 2 años, Y bueno, que también algunos literatos más modernos, Javier Cerca, hablan sobre la verdad. La verdad es la verdad, dígala Agamenón o su puerquero. Quiero escuchar cómo tradujeron esto.

¿Cómo?

La verdad es la verdad, dígala Agamenón o su porquero. Agamenón, ante este acerto, responde: De acuerdo. Su porquero: No me convence. Voy a repetir. Agamenón responde a este acerto de que la verdad es la verdad, sea que lo diga Agamenón o que lo diga su puerquero. Perfecto. ¿Qué es un puerquero? A pig keeper. No, peacekeeper. Pig, pig, pig, a pig farmer. La respuesta de Agamenón es, de acuerdo. Y la respuesta del farmer, or the pig keeper, is, I'm not convinced. No me convence. Lo cual me lleva a un segundo punto. La verdad es que vamos a tener un vacío, ese es un hecho institucional este momento, porque se nos van Natalia y Aki, esa es una verdad indiscutible y creo que en esto Agamenón y el Farmer estarán de acuerdo. Y creo que en este momento tengo que decir algo muy, muy serio, y es que quiero expresar la confianza de este presidente en que el secretario general adoptará la mejor decisión respecto de sus sucesores. Tengo la absoluta confianza de que así será. No será una decisión fácil para el señor secretario general. Este presidente le expresa su confianza, señor secretario general Guterres, en que además de adoptar la decisión correcta, lo hará con la debida oportunidad en el más breve plazo que a usted le sea posible. Además, yo creo que tendremos un proceso de transición que debe ser enmarcada en la institucionalidad y eso dará seguridad, porque hay que reconocer, ustedes han hecho un trabajo de líderes estupendo, pero atrás de ustedes tienen un equipazo, como decimos nosotros en el Ecuador respecto de la selección de fútbol de mi país, es un equipazo igual. De manera que yo quiero ahora simplemente— miren, todo lo que yo pueda decir respecto de los de los amigos Akim y Natalia puede ser el verso más fluido que no se comparará a ese aplauso atronador que recibieron en su momento ustedes. De manera que simplemente quiero terminar con las palabras con que comenzó esta sesión, y esas palabras fueron dichas por la vicesecretaria general. Ella, Amina Mohamed, dijo al inicio de esta sesión, las primeras palabras que escuchamos en esta sesión fueron: Permítanme comenzar expresando mi más sincero agradecimiento a dos colegas y amigos, Akim y Natalia, para quienes esta será su última reunión del Consejo Ejecutivo. Thank you. En sus cargos actuales. Han sido verdaderos defensores del reposicionamiento. Su liderazgo, compromiso y apoyo inquebrantable al sistema de coordinadores residentes han contribuido a configurar un sistema de desarrollo de las Naciones Unidas más coherente y receptivo. Les agradecemos su colaboración su amistad y su servicio a las personas y al planeta. Esta sesión se clausurará y daré el martillazo después de escuchar las palabras de Akim. Primero Natalia nos va a dirigir unas palabras, Akim dirá, tendrá la última palabra y yo simplemente daré el martillazo clausurando la sesión. Natalia, por favor.

Muchas gracias, señor presidente. Distinguished members of the executive board, dear Akim, greetings of peace. And I just wanted to tell you that at UNFPA, we like to quote from the preamble, We the Peoples, from 1945, this line that says, to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. And very often when you're sitting and the tours are going by and the schoolchildren are looking down at us, I just wonder, you know, what will their tomorrow be like? And will they live their lives in larger freedom? More than anything, they're going to need peace in order to do that. And that means that they're going to need a strong United Nations. To drive forward the dialogue and the compromise that you represent. And I'd like to say that those values in the Charter of human dignity and equal rights and freedom and peace are ideals that, to me, Akim has been an exemplar. They are values that he's applied that fund of knowledge, his diplomatic skills, and his eloquence, which is unrivaled. I believe that facing formidable odds— and it is a polarized world— you have been able to rally UNDP and governments and civil society and the United Nations to joint action, and that's built climate resilience, it's advanced sustainable development, you've lifted up the most vulnerable, and Now UNDP is using advanced technologies for regular citizens to be able to avail themselves of improvements in their lives. So thank you, Akim, for your work and also for the friendship. We came in together in 2017 to New York, and we exit in similar order. And for UNFPA, I just want to say that We really have confronted a lot of deep-seated prejudices. Every morning when we wake up, we know we're going to have to take practical steps to make life better for women and girls, and that we are imprinted with this idea that we should wield the power of beauty. The beauty is the midwife who's going to sing and brighten the day in the clinic. It's the flowers and the hospital garden. It's just a simple decoration that somebody hung up in a safe space tent. But that's the reward. We have to sort of look for the joys where we can find them. When the baby is born safely, when an obstetric fistula survivor gets her operation and that's the biggest day of her life, or when you convince a very important private sector company to design with women in mind. You know, that's what the United Nations facilitates our ability to do. And I started in Tanzania almost 12 years ago, where I could see that I could use the best of my talents and abilities to serve the United Nations. I also would like to acknowledge my colleagues, they're the best in the world, and they really believe in the UNFPA mandate. And they can look in the mirror and say that, yes, I make a difference in the life of a 10-year-old girl. So on behalf of all my thousands of colleagues, I just want to thank you for your leadership, Mr. President, and all the members of the board for your leadership. It does make a difference in saving lives. And I'm also very grateful to my family, because there are always sacrifices when you're in a leadership role, and you're not the only one who takes that burden. So for Todd and my son Mandela and all my family in Panama and around the world, it's really because of them that I've been able to serve to the utmost. So I have full confidence in what you're going to do to bring peace to the world and that larger freedom that these young people are looking forward to. Thank you very much indeed for the honor.

Thank you.

Administrador Steiner, por favor. Aquí.

Thank you. Mr. President, dear Natalia, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it's almost Friday and it's a holiday, so I know the clock is ticking, but it is wonderful to, I think for both of us, to end our last session with you in a moment where, again, you have proven that we can walk forward together. I just want to echo one thing that Natalia said. You know, when I spoke to you a few days ago, I spoke to the fact that many of my colleagues who are principals or members of the Chief Executive Board have become friends, and indeed, as Natalia pointed out, we began almost at the same time— sadly, at the time for Natalia, propelled into this position by the untimely and still very painful passing of Dr. Babatunde. And I always remember when I first met you, Nathalie, that first of all, that pain of having lost somebody who wasn't just your boss but was really a mentor and a leader never made you hesitate for a moment to get up in the morning and take charge of UNFPA. And I think— not that I would want to speak for him, but I think he would would be very proud if he were to look back on these last 8 years. So well done to you. The other thing that Natalia has also done is sometimes made me feel as if I was actually in that room where that baby is being born and I'm the midwife, because she can tell the stories of midwifery, of childbirth, and many other aspects that I'm sure some of you will have learned in your exchanges with Natalia with a conviction, but also with a firsthand knowledge that kind kind of makes you realize how little men in particular sometimes know about how life comes about. So, Natalia, sometimes those journeys were fascinating, sometimes they were scary. But above all, you have always had this power of taking us right from a room that may seem as far away as you could possibly imagine to maybe a baby being born in a refugee camp, as anyone could, to remember This is why we do these things, you know, and it actually does matter. I don't want to take more time. I had a wonderful day with you yesterday. I truly appreciate the fact that you, President, invited us back here today. I think it is a good way to send us off and make sure we don't come back, but above all for us to say to you, look after our institutions. You are the custodians. You are their guardians.

Thank you.

And, you know, you may often spend a lot of time talking about accountability and governance and transparency and all of the tools. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether you care about these institutions and whether, therefore, you also own, in a sense, this unique mandate to carry them forward into their next chapter. We are done. We are grateful. We are deeply appreciative also of you, President, sitting here on the last day of the Board and having presided over a Board that, yes, as always, had disagreements, but still managed to find a way forward. Thank you so much and have a wonderful long weekend, if indeed you are going to have one.

Thank you.