GENERAL ASSEMBLY
6 April 2006
Statement of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ) at the informal meeting of the plenary with members of the High-Level Panel on UN system-wide coherence
Statement by H.E. Caroline Millar
Ambassador and Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
of Australia to the United Nations
(Check against delivery)
Mr President I have the honour to speak today on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and Australia. We thank the Secretary General for taking the initiative of establishing the High-Level Panel on system-wide coherence and you, Mr President, for providing the opportunity for a briefing and exchange of views on this important issue today. We also sincerely congratulate the individuals appointed to the Panel.
Mr President, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – CANZ – are long-standing strong supporters of the UN operational system. We also strongly support and promote UN reform. Our aim is to help ensure that the UN operational system is effective, efficient and delivers results at a country level.
Mr President it is far too early for us to outline what we might like the Panel to deliver by way of recommendations. We are each still developing our own thoughts and positions on the various issues involved, as we expect others are. At this point however, we would like to offer some principles for the Panel to consider in its programme of work:
1. The key objective of this process must be improved impact of UN activities at all levels – coherence and effectiveness are important ingredients for this.
2. The Panel should begin with a sound analysis of the strengths, weaknesses and the true comparative advantage of the UN operational system. Where does the UN have a unique and value-added role in development operations, in humanitarian assistance and in the environment? Closer harmonisation and cooperation between the UN, International Financial Institutions, other international organisations and bilateral actors is also essential, based on mutual understanding of appropriate roles and responsibilities of each and effective partnerships
3. We do not advocate structural change for the sake of change but do consider some restructuring is likely to be necessary – this should be based on sound analysis and a clear rationale. It must also be focused on supporting agreed outcomes and contribute to a more coordinated ‘one UN’ at a country level better equipped to deliver results in support of national ownership and improved aid effectiveness.
4. Reform already underway, especially at a country level, must continue in parallel and complementary to the Panel. These efforts (including the implementation of the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review resolution) should be deepened and accelerated.
5. Policy and institutional coherence at all levels must be our aim. A key issue in delivering this is more coherent and effective governance across the system, especially at headquarters.
6. Cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, human rights and sustainable development must be appropriately addressed and ways found to ensure effective delivery of results. On gender equality we welcome the fact that the Secretary General has explicitly requested the Panel, in his report on mandates, to focus on how gender equality can be better and more fully addressed by the UN.
Finally Mr President we would make a few key points about the Panel process. As I have said CANZ strongly supports the objectives of this process and the work of the Panel. We consider it critical that the Panel consults as widely and as openly as possible as they consider issues and develop recommendations. There is much to be done in a very short period of time. The issues before the Panel are complex and wide-ranging. We are a little concerned at the time-frame that has been set for the Panel to report back. While we are keen to see the results of this process discussed and implemented as soon as possible, deadlines that are too tight may undermine the quality and comprehensiveness of the process and its outcome.
Mr President, we know that Member States and donors have contributed to some of the incoherence we see in the system today. As such it is our responsibility to be part of the solution. We look forward to further opportunities to be involved in the process and wish the Panel well in its important work.
Thank you