Statement by Finland at the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS Annual Session on 11 June 2021, Item 15 UNOPS Statement by the Executive Director and Annual Report

Read the statement by Finland delivered by H.E. Ms. Miia Rainne, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations

Madame President, Executive Director,

We align ourselves with the Joint Statement delivered by Norway.

Finland would like to thank Executive Director Faremo for the Annual Report, which demonstrates the solid progress made in implementing the Strategic Plan and commend UNOPS on results achieved under extraordinary circumstances.

We are pleased to learn that UNOPS has now reached the milestone of 47 per cent and the range of gender parity in its overall workforce and senior positions. We encourage UNOPS to continue its efforts towards achieving these targets and trust that this percentage will further increase.

We take note that 62 per cent of UNOPS infrastructure projects reported enabling access, and 26 per cent enabled access for persons with disabilities. We continue to encourage full implementation of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy across all UNOPS activities. We warmly welcome UNOPS plan to develop a Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy broadening the focus on equality targets of the workforce.

UNOPS has a unique role in supporting and accelerating the efforts of its partners towards sustainable development. With its large-scale initiatives in sustainable investments and innovation, S3i can play a pivotal role in boosting green recovery, impact tech and entrepreneurship, and to improve lives of millions of people around the world.

We acknowledge with appreciation the efforts of S3i to continue working on socially responsible projects globally, despite the challenges arising from the pandemic. Partnering with private sector as its main target of interventions, S3i plays a complementary role, supporting the efforts of other UN agencies.

Thank you.