NATIONAL STATEMENT – UNDP STRATEGIC PLAN (2026-2029)
Statement by H.E Ambassador James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
Agenda Item 3 | Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS | Second Regular Session
25 August 2025
Thank you very much indeed, President, and I thank you acting Administrator for your remarks earlier today, and it's so good to see so many colleagues and friends from UNDP on the podium.
Australia welcomes the UNDP Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 and we look forward to endorsing it this week alongside fellow members of the Executive Board.
My statement today outlines three key points.
First, UNDP’s mandate, reflected in this Strategic Plan, remains indispensable for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.
We support UNDP’s explicit commitment to human rights, democratic governance and the rule of law, especially in fragile or transitional settings.
We agree with the Plan that UNDP plays a key role in breaking cycles of crises, in preventing future conflicts and disasters, and in connecting humanitarian, development and peacebuilding systems.
As the year 2030 races into view, we call upon UNDP to intensify and sharpen its efforts to deliver the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs, ensuring no one is left behind.
Second, the current upheaval in the multilateral system underscores the urgent need for swift and meaningful reform. The challenges are sobering, and we welcome the Strategic Plan’s recognition of this reality and Australia highlights the urgency of reform.
Australia asks UNDP to share with the Executive Board, in concrete terms, how it is responding to the UN80 Initiative. Member States have an increasing need for transparent information to understand how UNDP is targeting its efforts towards efficiencies while maintaining core focus.
Reform must strengthen, not dilute, the principles that have shaped the UN’s global leadership in peace, development and human rights.
Third, through this Strategic Plan and Regional Plan for Asia and the Pacific, UNDP must maintain support and engagement in Pacific Island Countries who are disproportionately affected by the unique vulnerabilities facing Small Island Developing States.
Every effort must be made to protect what has been achieved in the Pacific, and to chart resilient pathways for the region as it continues to contend with climate and financial shocks.
President, Australia stands ready to fully support the adoption of this Strategic Plan and to work in partnership to ensure its effective implementation.
Thank you.