Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia* , the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.
The EU welcomes the UNCTAD Secretariat’s updated report on progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits, and the contribution of UNCTAD.
Tasks emanating from the implementation of and follow-up to major UN conferences and summits and Millennium Development Goals are related, since achieving the MDGs requires the implementation of a broad agenda in all fields. In the light of the economic and financial crisis, we face multiple challenges in our efforts to achieve these goals.
As regards UNCTAD and its contribution to the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic and social fields, the guidelines are to be found in paragraphs 11 and 179 of the Accra Accord. The measures undertaken should also include the outcome of the Doha Conference on Financing for Development. The EU takes note of and thanks UNCTAD for the work undertaken in order to reach these objectives. Measuring the level of contribution to the achievement of these goals does however pose a challenge given the broad area in which the work is carried out. However, the EU would like to get more information about the strategic plan of UNCTAD to achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 11 and 179 of the Accra Accord within its three pillars of work.
Finally, the EU wants to underline the importance of co-operation within UNCTAD, and for UNCTAD to remain within its mandate as regards the work that is undertaken. Also essential is the co-operation between UNCTAD and other UN agencies within their respective mandate so as to enhance synergies and avoid duplication of work. UNCTAD should also engage with the private sector and civil society to a larger extent.
Thank you for your attention.
_______________* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.