Shawdesh desk:

UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS have been navigating and responding to the multiple and overlapping crises from the past few years, and their commitment to strengthen support, especially for the most vulnerable and the people at risk, is reassuring.

President of the these UN agencies executive board ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith said this while chairing the closing of the first regular session of the Board held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

During the week-long session held from January 29 to February 2, 2024, the Board engaged in interactive discussions on substantive, operational and management issues, including impacts of the work of the UN agencies at the country level.

The session addressed vital aspects pertinent to the key oversight functions of the Board, encompassing the evaluation of policies, scrutiny of auditors’ reports, and other pertinent governance issues, said a media release on Saturday.

During the session the heads of these three key UN agencies — Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator, Natalia Kanem, UNFPA executive director, Jorge Moreira da Silva, UNOPS executive director exchanged dialogue with the members of the Board.

They all shared their strong commitment to remain on the ground and continue delivering for the people, irrespective of the complex economic, political and security challenges.

Ambassador Muhith, expressed his commitment to support the work of these three UN agencies through technical and strategic guidance and remain engaged with members of the Board ensure that the work of the UN produces the most effective results for the people. Apart from chairing the Executive Board sessions, ambassador Muhith held meetings and interactions with the agency heads at the bilateral and regional setup.

Earlier on 10 January 2024, ambassador Muhith assumed the responsibilities of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board as the president.

He is the first Bangladeshi ambassador to be elected as the president of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board. Earlier he served as the vice-president of the same Board and the president of the UN Women Executive Board.