Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator a.i.

At the Joint Launch of the UNFPA and UNDP New Country Programmes

Addis Ababa | 27 October 2025

Excellencies,

Honourable Ministers,

Representatives of Sector Government Ministries/Offices,

Heads of UN Agencies,

Development Partners,

Civil Society and Private Sector Representatives,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

I am delighted to participate in this important event marking the launch of the new UNFPA and UNDP Country Programmes for 2025–2030. This occasion signifies not just the renewal of two key UN development initiatives but also strengthens our collaboration with the Government and the people of Ethiopia.

 Today’s launch occurs at a crucial time. Ethiopia is progressing with its Ten-Year Development Plan (2021–2030), aiming to become a shining example of prosperity in Africa. Meanwhile, the country faces complex changes, including demographic shifts, swift urbanization, digital transformation, and an urgent need for inclusivity and resilience growth.

The new UNFPA and UNDP Country Programmes directly address these priorities. They are fully aligned with Ethiopia’s national development agenda, the Home-Grown Economic Reform, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), which serves as the overarching framework for all UN support Ethiopia.

 Each programme brings a distinct yet complementary focus:

●     UNFPA remains focused on empowering women, adolescents, and youth by aiming to eliminate preventable maternal deaths, address unmet family planning needs, eradicate gender-based violence and harmful practices, and prevent sexual transmission of HIV. Its updated Country Programme emphasises data-driven strategies, robust health systems, and resilience in both humanitarian and development contexts.

●     UNDP anchors its new programme in governance, inclusive economic transformation, and climate resilience — supporting peace, justice, and sustainable livelihoods, while accelerating digital and green transitions.

Together, these programmes illustrate what the UN family in Ethiopia strives for: coherence, complementarity, and collective impact. They show how shared results can be achieved through joint programming, unified implementation, and mutual accountability.



Excellencies,

The joint launch itself exemplifies UN reform in progress, demonstrating how we are shifting from fragmented efforts to integrated programmes and shared delivery. It reflects the principle of “Delivering as One”, ensuring that the UN system speaks with a unified voice and works collaboratively to achieve transformative outcomes for Ethiopia.

It also reaffirms the spirit of partnership that underpins our collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to accompany the country on its development journey, to build resilience, foster peace, and leave no one behind.

As we mark this new chapter for UNFPA and UNDP, let us see it as a collective renewal of our shared commitment to Ethiopia’s prosperity, a commitment to empower women and youth, strengthen institutions, and enable inclusive and sustainable growth.

Allow me to commend the leadership of the Ministry of Finance for the continued partnership and the proactive role they have played in ensuring that this event demonstrates accurate alignment between government priorities and UN programming.

In conclusion, I commend UNFPA and UNDP for their outstanding collaboration. I also urge all development partners and national counterparts to keep promoting joint efforts, shared learning, and coordinated implementation within the UNSDCF framework.

Together, we can realise Ethiopia’s people's hopes for peace, prosperity, and dignity realized.

Thank you.