National Statement of Finland at the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, Second Regular Session, Item 5: UNFPA structured funding dialogue

Read the National Statement of Finland delivered by Mr. Lauri Voionmaa, Bureau Vice-President of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, at the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, Second Regular Session, Item 5: UNFPA structured funding dialogue on August 24, 2026.

President,

Executive Director,

Finland welcomes UNFPA’s report for the Structured Funding Dialogue. It provides a solid basis for discussing the organization’s current funding situation and the way forward. Despite the challenging operating environment, UNFPA continues the critical work in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population data for sustainable development.

While we are concerned about the decline in core resources - both in terms of absolute volume and as share of total funding - we would like to commend you for actively exploring innovative approaches and partnerships to mobilize funding to meet the needs of those who need it the most. 

Finland notes the significant reductions in humanitarian funding. Women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate burden in conflict, displacement and humanitarian emergencies. Access to sexual and reproductive health services and protection from gender-based violence are lifesaving interventions and should remain integral to humanitarian responses. We must ensure that the quality of our humanitarian aid is not lost, so that it reaches those that need it most.

We welcome UNFPA's efforts to diversify its funding base and strengthen partnerships with programme countries, international financial institutions, and through pooled funding mechanisms.

We are committed to our collaboration with UNFPA, private sector and research institutions in seeking solutions to women’s health challenges. We were honored to have Executive Director and her team for a visit in Finland and the Women’s Health Hub in Turku earlier this year. The Hub plays an important role in enhancing women´s health outcomes and wellbeing through increased awareness, research, and innovative solutions that address unmet needs that are specific for women – around the world. Finland was also proud to become the first country to join the Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business. 

We support the Secretary General’s UN80 initiative and efforts to streamline and improve the effectiveness of the United Nations development system. We would also like to thank UNFPA for the active engagement in the process and the constructive dialogue with Member States.

Thank you.