UNDP & Tsunami Recovery

Clinton says successful tsunami reconstruction could serve as a model for future crises

Secretary-General Kofi Annan introducing Bill Clinton as the UN’s Special Envoy for tsunami recovery.

New York, 13 April 2005 —Former United States President Bill Clinton, stepping into his new role as special envoy to lead UN tsunami recovery operations, said that a successful UN tsunami reconstruction effort could serve as a model for rebuilding in other stricken areas recovering from future crises.

“No one could be possibly be better qualified for this task than President Clinton,” said UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan as he introduced the special envoy. As the effects of the tragedy have largely faded from front pages and the nightly news, he said, it is “vitally important that we have someone with vision and commitment to ensure that, this time, the international community really does follow through and support the people and the transition from immediate relief to longer-term development.”

Recovering from a recent heart operation, Clinton said he would devote “whatever time it takes” and, as a first priority, work to ensure that donor funds are spent effectively, responsibly, and in a transparent manner. But with relief efforts winding down, tsunami reconstruction is now entered a difficult period, he said. “Now we are in a period where we're finished sending water and water pills and emergency food, but where the homes haven't been rebuilt, the jobs haven't all been restored, not all of the fishing boats have been replaced, the sanitation facilities have not all been reconstructed, the wells haven't all been dug. All the things that have to be done must now be done. And this is the most difficult period.

“We've got to restore livelihoods as quickly as possible and make sure temporary housing is there, and deal with the fundamental public health issues, like sanitation and clean water, over the long run,” he said. “I think we have to make a special effort to help the displaced persons, obviously. And we've got to try to get the tourists to go back.”