Executive Board discusses humanitarian response and Flagship Programme Initiatives at its First Regular Session of 2016
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Convening for the first time in 2016, the UN Women Executive Board engaged in an interactive session that comprised of a strong focus on the entities operations in the field. Member States expressed their highest appreciation of the sustainable impact UN Women’s work is having on the ground. Regarding the operational response in Egypt and the work in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, UN Women was praised on its exemplary commitment, dedication and respect in supporting national development aspirations.
Congratulating the entity, the representative of Egypt said: “UN Women’s programs are relevant to the field, making a difference in the society… We can see that the Country office has managed to have a very strong partnership with the Government and the civil society organizations”. The Jordan representative mentioned that “UN Women’s Oasis project is a fine example of the work that is done in Jordan to help Syrian refugees.”
Delegations commended UN Women for its work on women, peace and security and noted the importance of the recommendations presented in the Global Study on the Implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 which will bring about transformative change. Member States also commended UN Women’s efforts in taking concrete steps in including women in peace negotiations. Norway’s representative thanked the Executive Director for her strategic intervention before the “Supporting Syria and the Region” international pledging conference in London to involve women in the discussion. “This is exactly how we should work”, he concluded.
In a structured dialogue on financing, concentrating on the Flagship Programme Initiatives, delegations welcomed the new funding modalities that allow greater flexibility and applauded the online reporting systems which provides solid information on programmes, results and respective funding.
The Executive Board reiterated its strong political support and will to mutually move from commitments to concrete actions in implementation and reiterated UN Women’s key role in the process. Helping to enable UN Women to deliver strong results and meet expectations, Gabon, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden confirmed an increase in their financial support to help making UN Women fit and funded for purpose.