Statement by

Mr. Ali Hajilari

First Counselor

Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

On agenda item 25: Operational activities for development

(a) Operational activities for development of the United Nations system;

(b) South-South cooperation for development

New York, 12 October 2020

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chairman,

My Delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Guyana, on behalf of the G77 and China. I would also like to add the followings in my national capacity.

Mr. Chairman,   

Improved performance of the United Nations development system is essential if Member States are to achieve the goals of the transformative Sustainable Development Agenda.

As the future of the sustainable development agenda relies on the smooth functioning and coordination of the entire United Nations development system, my delegation would like to stress on the importance of the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) resolution that will be negotiated during this session. Since the adoption of the previous QCPR and the further mandates pertaining to the repositioned UN Development System, it is fundamental that we now focus our attention on providing policy directives and operational guidance for enhanced support by the UN system to our countries.

It should also be noted that the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework is one of the most important instruments for the planning and implementation of the United Nations development activities in each country, that should be prepared and finalized in full consultation and agreement with national Governments, taking into account their priorities and needs.

We believe that the United Nations development system should continue to provide coherent and integrated support, tailored to the changing needs and priorities of developing countries and respecting the principles of national ownership and leadership. Efforts must be made to ensure that the governance architecture of the development system is transparent, accountable and able to enhance coordination, coherence, effectiveness and efficiency at all levels in order to facilitate system wide strategic planning in support of the Sustainable Development Agenda.

The resident coordinator system should be responsive to the plans, priorities and needs of the host country. The UNRC should also report annually to the host Government on the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, to ensure accountability towards them.

Given the significant challenges that many developing countries faced in achieving sustainable development, reductions in program activities would impair the performance of development projects and related joint activities in the field. We are on the view that the quality of program implementation at country level should take precedence over any administrative considerations.

Mr. Chairman,

South-South cooperation, which played an important role in international cooperation, is a complement to, not a substitute for, North-South Cooperation, and must be integrated into the operational activities of the United Nations development system. We believe that South-South Cooperation and its agenda must be set by countries of the South and should continue to be guided by the principles of respect for national sovereignty, national ownership and independence, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit.

Mr. Chairman,

I would not like to conclude without emphasizing that the United Nations development system should strengthen its focus in supporting developing countries especially those facing illegal unilateral coercive measures including illegitimate economic sanctions especially while they are grappled with the most devastating pandemic of the modern era.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.