The UN Regional Commissions



Economic and Social CouncilBriefing on the repositioning of the UNDS with focus on the regional approach Thursday, 22 February 2018, 3pm – 6pm, ECOSOC ChamberDeputy Secretary-General – Ms. Amina Mohammed The regional dimension is critical for sustainable development. As the world becomes more interconnected, we need to work in a more integrated and integral way The regional proposals contained in the SG report are based on extensive interaction with MSs and UNDS entities There is great potential of a stepped-up role for the regional level – starting with RECsRECs are incredibly diverse and shaped by the regions. The niches they occupy in each region are very different, thus the reform cannot adopt a ‘one size fit all’ approach RECs have some commonalities: convening function; think-tank function (they are the source of highly valuable knowledge); and operational functions (they provide policy support to countries and are coordinating with UNCTs)Most of their focus is on knowledge, research and policy support – 2800 personnel and $360 million annual expenditure Agencies, Funds and Programmes are also present at the regional level, mainly in support to country offices but also to work on some regional aspects and knowledge products – 6800 personnel and total $1.2 billion annual expenditure DESA is not an operational entity and does not have a regional presence but it interacts on policy and operational work with the regional levelThe potential of the regional level is under-leveraged. We wish to see more efficient support for the UNCTs and more efficiencies Are we taking full advantage of the regional asset?The system at the regional level has not fully transitioned to the 2030 AgendaRECs and AFPs have a strong focus on economic actions (first six SDGs) Coordination mechanisms are sub-optimalOverlap in functions, activities and offices – leading to inefficiencies Moving forward we will focus on two main efforts:Re-profiling and realignment– some RECs have already started internal efforts for realignment to 2030 Agenda but not at the pace requiredrealignment and efficiencies are not meant to cut budgets; there is way too little in development; we want to put resources made available through efficiencies to further support countriesEnhanced synergies between RECs and other UNDS entities, R-UNDG teams and UNCTsMindful of different strengths, the SG proposed a phased approach to reposition the regional level – welcomes the guidance of MSs on the options presentedAll RECs must step up their efforts while maintaining a region-specific approachA clear protocol for information flows between DESA, RECs, and the UNCTs neededWill reinvigorate UNDAFsCreating a Joint Publications Committee will help minimize duplication and better align DESA and RECs products Merger of two existing coordination mechanisms in the longer term to maximize effectiveness and bring the RECs, the regional component of UNDG and DESA more in line?Assignment of staff does not mean permanent deployments; our aim is leveraging the RECs expertise; this will be a programmatic rather than a budgetary exercise Coordinator of the RECs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC – Ms. Alicia Bárcena RECs were established immediately after WW2 - we have a history Many of us perform the think tank function but one cannot be a think tank in abstract; the think tank function has to be combined with policy advice and action applied to policy making, to devise the best public policies and strategies RECs are knowledge hubs in generating regional thinking and regional dimension of multilateralism – multilateral bottom-up thinking The RECs bring together experiences of intergovernmental nature and from other stakeholders at our platforms and the RFSD and we bring this to HLPF They bring resources on issues like statistics, women, population, etc.The Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD) is an important stepping stone to prepare for the HLPFsThey focus on addressing the SDGs in an integrated manner – including the SDGs related to jobs, trade, and Financing for Development (FfD)On operational function, while agreeing that on Agenda 2030 we have to go through UNCTs and RCs, the Regional Commissions also substantively address and advise on regional/transboundary issues like migration which are not within the 2030 AgendaDiscussing how to bring about better coordination with UNCTsRECs are working closely with multilateral development banks – how can we bring FfD and climate change to the regional level?Absence from New York makes it difficult to be heard sometimes but RECs are heard in the regionsUnderstand temporary redeployment to UNCTs is at programmatic level e.g. to prepare UNDAF and we are ready to do it – but it is not a budgetary questionEfficiency gains have been achieved in the past 8 years and work has been done to realign priorities since 2015 – of course more can be done, but a lot has been done alreadyRECs can do a lot of work together with regional UNDG teamsOn RCM and the R-UNDG– they are different in nature; how should an intergovernmental platform and an interagency, self-created instance interact?This is our next challenge – we are going to work together to bring a formula with an integrated secretariat and an integrated policy coherence mechanism Stand ready to have more discussions but bottom line is that RECs feel that MSs have a lot of ownership over what RECs do and want to enhance that supportRECs aim to serve MSs better - though UNCTs, RCs or intergovernmental bodies – MSs have to guide RECs on how to best serve them on the implementation of the Agenda and on other challenges like migration and investment (that needs to be linked more closely to the Agenda)UNADFs have to change dramatically – RECs are ready to put their efforts thereMany requests are made to RECs by MSs that are difficult to plan for in advance (e.g. natural disasters, debt). These come in different fashion and it is difficult to reflect them in UNDAF ??ASG Regional Director of the Africa Bureau – Mr. Abdoulaye Mar DieyeUN system at regional and UNCT level has fully embraced the spirit of the reformCurrent exercise on Sahel has requested to make the system more responsive to the regions – system is reform eagerOnce the arrangements are sealed, the system can be brought to a higher performance plateau Must properly address regionalities, including cross-border/transboundary challenges Better re-engineering of regional capacity, and stronger horizontal and vertical institutional linkages at the regional level Regional presence of UNDG provides aggregated and tailored policy support to the UNCTs Need to build on existing good practices on regional coordinationEgypt (o/b G77 and China)Preliminary thoughts on the issue of a revamped regional approachGeneral remarks The regional role is crucial for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the broader action for developmentThe main tasks of the RECs should be to further economic and social developmentUnlike the proposals on the global and national levels, the regional approach lacks sufficient detail in the SG reportAchieving a comprehensive reform, based on improved coherence and integration will not be achieved if the proposals at the regional level are not discussed in the same package as the proposals on the global and national levelsReiterate the need to avoid a one size fits all model for the regional approachProposals should be based on a flexible approach, building upon the specificities of each region and the strengths of each Regional Commission The diverse functions of the Regional Commissions need to be acknowledged – their key role in the implementation of Agenda 2030, and in supporting development priorities of countries need to be preserved and strengthened RECs provide meaningful direct assistance, integrated policy advice, normative support and technical capacity to MSsRECs also serve as crucial platforms for intergovernmental cooperation and regional integration – their functions go well beyond the role of think tanks and of support to RCs and UNCTs The UNDS reform process at the regional level should be guided by the principles of poverty eradication, full respect of state sovereignty, national ownership and leadership over development pathways The role of DESA, as the leading UN entity in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, needs to be strengthened and its activities aligned at the regional level – without hampering or obstructing the work of regional bodiesSection A: §89: RECs have been significantly shaped by their respective regional contexts, and have developed differing strengths and focuses – this should be the basis for any reform at the regional level§94: Need to address the areas of overlap and duplication at the regional level – any proposed reform in this regard should be based on a region by region approach§96: Seek further clarity on the timeline proposed by the SG to fully align the regional level with the 2030 AgendaSection B§97: Welcome the initiative to clarify the division of labour at the regional level in order to avoid duplication§98: Need more details on the proposal to develop and implement a “protocol for country engagement by Secretariat entities and other non-resident agencies.” What will be the role of national governments in this process? Does this imply that the direct channels of communication that exist between MSs, the UNDS and its entities would somehow be restricted?§99: Further clarity on the proposal to include in the UNDAFs a “more thorough analysis of regional and transboundary issues”. Will the inclusion of these issues be mandatory in the UNDAFs? Seek more clarity on the proposal for “the inclusion by the RECs of all their country-level activities in the UNDAFs.” Does this mean that the assistance provided directly by the RECs to MSs would somehow be undermined and can only be channelled through the RCs? § 101(c): Further clarification needed regarding the possible implications (human and budgetary resources) of the proposed “redeployment of staff of the regional RECs away from HQ to enhance capacities of UNCTs and fill substantive gaps in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda” – this proposal is not in line with the key role of the RECs at the regional and national levels and their value-added within the UNDSRECs cannot be solely viewed as serving the RCs and the UNCTs, nor can their work be reduced to a support role in this regardParaguay (o/b LLDCs)Vienna Programme of Action includes regional cooperation and integration as one of the six main topics of the programmeImportance of RECs and regional offices of AFP to provide policy advice and support regional integrationRECs play a critical role in the implementation and monitoring of the Vienna PoACritical that comparative advantage of agencies is maintained and further leveragedIssues of regional trade facilitation, transit transport, etc. are vital for LLDCsRCs should enhance coordination with the RECs and ensure coherence between the national and regional plans of actions for implementing the Agenda 2030European UnionShare SG assessment that the regional architecture must be substantially transformedResources devoted to the regional level seem very high – RC system (cornerstone in EU’s opinion) by comparison costs $165 million per year with very limited staffGives the impression that the regional level might be over equippedRECs have been spared from budget cuts over the past yearsIt needs to be re-evaluated whether the regional system delivers sufficient value to justify these expendituresAgree with the analysis on overlaps, lack of coordination, etc. – First step to counteract this, is the clarification of the division of labour across the system at the regional level Interested to learn more about the envisaged roles of the RECs and their comparative advantage over UNDS and in particular over the UNDG regional officesWhat are the practical implications on the RECs mandates by the proposed engagement on UNDAF review or the redeployment of staff from HQ to UNCTs? RECs differ greatly, some are readier to fulfil certain operational function than others – this should be considered when making a statement on the regional approach §102: Take note of it and look forward to more elaborate proposals on the regional dimension of operational activities for a more detailed and overdue discussion in 2019Maldives (AOSIS)Regional level is important as it serves as the intermediate level in this complex frameworkThe report does not address the sub-regional level, which is critically important to SIDSHow will the reform work towards strengthening the sub-regional level and ensure that no countries are being left behind?§98: Support a clear protocol of engagement with MSsSection C – redeploy staff of the Regional Commissions to UNCTsWhat is meant by opportunities for co-location? Would multi-country offices (MCO) be based in the same location as sub-regional offices?Bangladesh (LDCs)§98: A clear protocol of country engagement is important Also important that RCs work in close collaboration with NRAs/AFPs as appropriate (e.g. with OHRLLS and UNCTAD) §99: It is vitally important for LDCs as many issues are transboundary in nature. Seeks further clarity on how the regional entities will deal with transboundary issues effectively §101 (a): More details needed on the proposals of regional coordination mechanisms New Zealand (CANZ)Welcome the proposal clarification on the regional approach – further clarity reduces overlap and increases efficiencySupport further clarity on the mandates and roles of DESA and RECs §98 – Clarification needed What is your perspective on the relationship between RECs and UNCTs, as well as the relationship between the management reform and DESA reform?DESA reform is important for the Regional Commissions Does not address how regional configuration will align with regional blocksClear reporting lines will be essential Funding has to be distributed to where it is needed mostReform should be used to generate finance for the RC offices and MCOs What consideration is given to the unique needs of MCOs?El Salvador (CELAC)Strongly support the work of ECLACThe work goes beyond a think tank function, e.g. RFSDThe regional dimension of the UNDS and the repositioning should take into account the differences among RECs and should avoid a one size fits all approach Would like to maintain the same interactions between governments and ECLACWhat is the rationale of the two-step approach? – The regional component is key in forthcoming negotiations ColombiaImportance of Regional Commissions for all developing countries There should be more support for countries to implement the 2030 Agenda at a more regional approach Strengthening the RECs cannot be achieved through one unique solution – there is no one size fits all for regions (e.g. LAC countries are mainly MICs and inequality is a top issue)Like the proposal to guide the efforts to avoid duplication of costs but cannot limit the role of RECs or put them to work only for RCsNeed be creative with cooperation mechanismsECLAC has provided policy for economic crisis and others for more than 60 years and served the MSs beyond the UN frameworkContrary to what the EU said: RECs have a fundamental aggregated role for developing countriesECLAC could be the model for many When referring to think tanks, the work of promoting scenarios and RFSD add value IranThanks ESCAPThe voice of the regions needs to be heard in New York Functions and roles of the RECs need to be strengthened based on the needs of the regions Coordination mechanisms have to be improved Coordination among AFSs and DESA is critically important, as is the relation between RECs and MSsNational Development Plan of countries is more than the UNADFNRAs have unique experience – what is their role at the regional level?BrazilRegional level of the UNDS is key in operationalising the link between global and country levelThis level should be able to provide contextualised support for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and South-South cooperation ECLAC has been an important partner to build a holistic vision of developmentPositively see the review of offices at the regional level, with the aim of improving coordinationLook forward to move ahead with this discussion and expect that these elements can soon be complemented with additional informationEcuadorAgree with the SG proposal designed to reform the regional structures but must be careful not to limit the role of the Regional Commissions RECs functions go above and beyond the 2030 Agenda, e.g. FfD, urban development, local development and other Like to retain the current structure and dynamic of ECLAC in its region and with the governmentUNCTs must be coherent and efficient, as pointed out in the reportConcerned about how MSs can further strengthen the direct interaction with RECs - not necessary to have intermediation between countries and RECs PakistanConcern that the proposed reform at the regional level is not as comprehensive as that of the national and global levelsWho would chair the UNDG in the reform system?On leadership at regional level, restructured DOCO and new UNDG chair – how will DOCO engage at regional level? What relationship will DOCO have with the regional chairs?How will the Statement of Collaboration be extended to DESA? What will be the implications on DESA’s engagement at the regional level?How will the Funding Compact impact regional UNDS entities?RECs have worked a lot on all SDGs – what about other UNDS entities at the regional level?Reform at the regional level is critical Russian Federation§92: There is an assumption that all Regional Commissions activities will be included in UNDAF. How will that affect the current process of their work with governments?§101: Additional information on why the same model of operation with UNCTs is not envisaged for Unicef and other agencies. How is that related to existing UN norms and budget issues?On restructuring of regional assets: there is a proposal to integrate regional teams and regional coordination mechanisms. What regional teams are meant here? Is it a proposal to use teams under UNDG or to create new teams??ChinaSupports the reform to implement the 2030 AgendaReform should serve the purpose to focus on development and prioritize poverty eradication, it should be MSs lead The RECs are important bodies to support MSs in the implementation of the Agenda Reform should be advanced according to MSs needs in implementing Agenda 2030As RECs focus on the regional level, they understand the situation on the ground – so they can provide policy adviceDESA as the core body should strengthen coordination and enhance capacity for the implementation of the Agenda ESCAP has been committed to regional economic integration and has been an important platform to promote sustainable development – China supports ESCAP in carrying out its mandateFirst to formulate the road map for the SDG implementationPlays a leading role in the region CubaNeed balance on the proposals submitted ChileNegotiations which will begin next week will have to include all levels of the UN system including the regional dimension – only way to ensure a coherent approachThe reform needs to consider the specificities of each region and work done by RECs and cannot be designed in a one size fits all mannerECLAC should be further empowered – ECLAC is the main body that provides support on the 2030 Agenda and an extremely important source of statistics It helps to better understand the growing role of certain issues, including migrationUnited StatesA broader policy-operational loop could increase coordination and coherenceImportant to assess impact of RECs - how is its policy advice used? Does it lead to better policies? Is it useful to UNCTs? Only after the utility of RECs is assessed can the policy-operations link be strengthenedSceptical of strengthening DESA’s role at the regional level or including DESA in the Statement of Collaboration – it is not a regional entityHowever, do see merit in aligning DESA and UN regional teams activitiesIraqSocial and economic development play a large role in achieving the SDGs however cannot see a clear vision of the role Regional Commission would take after the reformRECs are extremely important in achieving the Agenda 2030 and should be strengthenedEach country has individual needs and priorities regarding Sustainable DevelopmentThe cross-border challenges cannot be solved on a national level Regional cooperation is the cornerstone of the development systemReorganising the regional level has to take into account the importance of cross-border issues and the Regional Commissions needed to solve these issuesRegional particularities need to be taken into account in the reform MexicoECLAC work should be an example to be followed – no doubt it plays a real leadership role in economic, environmental, social and other issuesIts work has been and is crucial for the development work in the region ECLAC had the vision of adapting the Agenda to the regional context and establish the RFSD, which provides opportunity to promote mutual learning, as well as share best national practices and experiences Public policy work goes beyond analysis, e.g. Pacific Alliance / joint fishingRegional Commissions have already adjusted to the 2030 Agenda They can provide training and guidance for good practices and they can carry out these functions in a financially efficient way Any proposed reform must take into account the regional realities and MSs aims Coordinator of the RECs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC – Ms. Alicia Bárcena On efficiency gains raised by the EU: RECs bring economic experience, an integrated approach, and other topics like trade facilitation for LLDCsNZ & US asked about the utility of the policy advice given by RECsFiscal policies analysis – what works what does notHow can we work on financial inclusion? How can the private sector participate more in Sustainable Development?Studies on energy, future investment, integration of sub-regions done for MSs and sometimes for development banksHave helped trade integration Have convened intergovernmental process / RFSD to connect not only what the UN is doing but also what other regional groups are doing (CELAC, CARICOM, etc.)2030 Agenda, while heavily dependent on national priorities will also require international cooperation – the Agenda is universal, it deals with the world as a whole, UNCTs are not everywherePlanned exchange between EU and LACs to understand how Europe is implementing the 2030 Agenda As mentioned by China, ESCAP has been crucial in the work on regional integration A lot of interaction and sharing of experiences is taking place among regional commissions and hence different regionsRECs are not very expensive (§105 million /biennium for ECLAC, which in perspective of how many countries are represented in the region is not much – same for other RECs)Also, not much in relation to the exhaustive mandate of RECs (e.g. inputs on migration compact, etc.)There needs to be re-evaluation of certain practices, but bottom line RECs are very efficient in terms of value for moneyRECs results need to be communicated better A lot has already been done to align to Agenda 2030 but more needs to be doneASG Regional Director of the Africa Bureau – Mr. Abdoulaye Mar DieyeStrong convergence on this topicJoint Secretariat –will synchronise the work better and optimize what is already doneRCM and UNDG coordination is still sub-optimal – have to ensure they work in synch; there is value in working togetherAnswer to Russia on Unicef capacity: context does matter – this means capacities need to move closer to the groundNot one way for the protocol of engagement but multiple ways of engagementPlatform of engagement needs optimisation E.g. SG signed a UN agreement with the African UnionUNDP should function as an integratorCapacity gap analysis – commends work done by DalbergMoving the capacities closer to the field is a good way to address the gaps Deputy Secretary-General – Ms. Amina Mohammed One additional explanatory note will be provided on the specific questions posed during today’s briefingRECs are not far even if not Headquartered in NYImportant that RECs look at how to better align the work at the regional and country levelsTwo steps approach proposed as it was not realistic to implement everything at onceNeed more discussion – need more support and investment on this levelA lot of complexities, e.g. inequalities, multi-dimensional aspects of poverty, etc.RECs have put a lot of work into becoming more efficient and responsiveTwo-way expertise – support programmatically to UNDAFs with RECs expertiseMany orphaned SDGs – the system has to come together and strategize on how to support themThe reform is specifically targeted towards the 2030 Agenda mandates – anything done beyond that by Regional Commissions will not be limited by the reformUNDP is the chair of the regional UNDG – RECs are members of the UNDG, but they are intergovernmental, so they have a slightly different role and mandateThink tank debate: How to define think tanks? – policy, research, follow-up, strengthening public policy, technical platform, tools, especially on dataOn MCOs – recognize sub-regional specificities, which call for different approachesHarmonized approach on the three core functions of the RECs, which will remain for all RECs, in addition there are the regional specificitiesDOCO hopefully will manage RC system at regional level, taking over from UNDP regional Directors; also, work on talent developmentRECs will not be parallel to RCs and certainly not subordinate, but RCs need to be empoweredRECs have to go to countries - the economic piece was not there – now it is there with over six goals; RECs are an integral part of framing UNDAFs and countries prioritiesOn leadership arrangements –regional integration is important SDG fund – dialogues will start on 26 FebruaryVice-President of the Economic and Social Council – His Excellency Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium)Recalls that the ECOSOC Operational Activities Segment will take place next week from Tuesday to Thursday ................
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