Explanation of Position by Ambassador Rosemary A. DiCarlo, U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs, on Resolution A/63/L.103, System-Wide Coherence Agenda item 107, in the General Assembly

Rosemary A. DiCarlo
U.S. Ambassador and Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

September 14, 2009

AS DELIVERED

The United States is pleased to join consensus on the “System-Wide Coherence” resolution.  We thank the co-chairs, the Permanent Representatives of Namibia and Spain, for their untiring efforts over the past year that led to adoption of this resolution.  The broad support for this resolution is heartening.  It shows that after several years of intense consultations, member states have come together to take a number of practical decisions to further our shared objective of a more effective and coherent UN development system.

We strongly endorse the resolution’s call for consolidating OSAGI, UN/DAW, UNIFEM, and INSTRAW into a composite entity headed by an Under Secretary-General.  Over the past several months, there has been a growing realization that a composite entity offers the best hope for improving how the UN can help women worldwide.

We are confident that this consolidation will improve the situation in the field.  Developing nations stand to gain from the changes that the composite entity will effect on the ground -- progress necessary to reach the Millennium Development Goals.   All nations will benefit from advances the entity will bring about on women’s equality, empowerment, and rights.
It is essential that the head of agency be an Under Secretary-General.   We ask Secretary-General Ban to move expeditiously on appointing an Under Secretary-General with in-depth knowledge, a strong track record on gender issues, and credibility within the women’s movement. 

Member states still need to decide on many details involving the composite entity, including questions of staffing, funding, governance, and reporting lines.  These are important questions, and the United States stands ready to work with our colleagues on these issues.  The sooner the Under Secretary-General is in place, the sooner he or she can offer the benefit of his or her views to member states.

In accordance with OP 3 of the resolution, we look forward to seeing comprehensive proposals on the gender entity developed as quickly as possible within the next UN General Assembly, so that intergovernmental deliberations on the entity’s parameters can get underway.

This resolution also contains important language on the governance and operations of the UN development system that should further improve the transparency and effectiveness of a broad range of development activities.

Mr. President, the U.S. looks forward to working with our partners to make further progress in these areas in the 64th General Assembly.  Working together, we can put the UN development system on a path toward stronger and more predictable funding. Thank you.

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