The Host and Donor Meeting in Amman a few weeks ago was held under the overall title ” Innovation in a Challenging Environment”. That is a very good description of how UNRWA is handling its situation. The external environment is indeed challenging, we all know that. UNRWA is meeting this enormous challenge with a creative and flexible approach, including an ambitious internal reform project. I think we all have to be grateful for the important work that all employees in UNRWA are conducting in their common effort to fulfil the mandate of the organisation.
The comprehensive reform package – the OD-package – was launched in January and is now on track and will continue over the next two years. We all look forward to its full implementation and the positive effects it will have on the organisation’s ability to provide even better services to the Palestine refugees. Sweden strongly supports UNRWA in this endeavour.
In order for UNRWA to be able to tackle both internal and external challenges, the organisation is in dire need of a sounder financial situation. Both the General Fund, the emergency appeal for the oPt, as well as the flash appeal for the Nahr el Bared camp in Lebanon, are underfunded. In 2006, 15 countries provided UNRWA with 90% of the contributions to the General Fund. That is of course not sustainable. The donor base has to be broadened and UNRWA should be given more predictable and flexible funding. In this context, we are pleased that at Resource Mobilisation Strategy has been developed and hopefully will serve as a useful tool in improving the financial situation.
The strong Swedish support of UNRWA will remain. This year we are the third largest donor to the organisation. We have supported the General Fund, the oPt-appeal and also the flash appeal of the Nahr el Bared camp.
Our contribution to the General Fund in 2008 is, unfortunately, still not confirmed. However, I am happy to announce that we will be able to communicate the amount of the contribution to UNRWA in the beginning of next week. Our support will remain on a high level and we also foresee continuous strong support to the upcoming appeals.
Our support to UNRWA is, however, not only financial in nature. Sweden will also continue to be a constructive and active partner in the dialogue with UNRWA and other stakeholders, including donors and host countries. We are looking forward to active involvement in the work of the Sub Committee, the AdCom as well as the Host and Donor meeting.
Thank you