This is a very interesting and timely topic for discussion

ADO VAHER, DIRECTOR

OFFICE OF UNITED NATIONS AFFAIRS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS

UNICEF

ECOSOC - 18 MARCH 2004

Remarks to Round table D: Enabling environment and resources mobilization for the LDCs emerging from conflict: the experiences of Guinea Bissau and Burundi

Mr. Chairman, let me begin by thanking the organizers of this meeting for arranging the discussion on this very interesting and timely topic. Interesting and timely not just because it is an all too common problem requiring address but because, in the UN context, transition is an area where significant changes in approach are taking place, an area where important lessons are being learned and applied, and is on the leading edge of UN reform.

I believe the topic of countries, particularly LDCs, emerging from conflict and the creation of a proper enabling environment and ensuring adequate resources will infuse much of the discussion in ECOSOC. Certainly it will reveal itself, in addition to in the High-Level Segment, in the Operational Activities Segment, the Humanitarian Segment and the Coordination Segment. I have no doubt it will emerge as a key issue in the discussions on the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review which will extend through ECOSOC into this fall’s General Assembly.

In general terms, it is clear that one of the areas of glaring deficiency in the response of the international community to crisis recovery in recent years has been the so-called "gap". During a crisis itself, more often than not, the CNN effect takes hold. When a crisis is “hot” it is a lead item for the media; the UN humanitarian agencies quickly prepare their crisis appeals; the bilateral and multilateral funders pledge huge amounts of resources; the drama unfolds 24 and 7 on the cable news networks. This is often followed by a pledging event where even more resources are promised and other commitments of support are made.

Then reality sets in. A careful perusal of the pledges can show less than expected in the way of “new” money with significant amounts often coming from funds already committed to the country pre-crisis. Planning for development is a long term process – consultants, studies, the dialogue with civil society, programme proposals, sectoral studies, planning frameworks and so on. The news media is on to the next big story. The flow of emergency resources dries up, capacity is over-stretched, development resources are often several years in coming, elements of the crisis may re-emerge, cynicism sets in, and the issue appears on the ECOSOC agenda again.

In responding to the issues before us today, the Secretary-General’s Action 14 last year led to establishment of a Working Group to address Transition Issues - from crisis to development. Made up of the joint membership of the UN Development Group and the Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, 22 members in all, chaired by Carol Bellamy Executive Director of UNICEF, the report of this Group – recently issued, stressed a unity of purpose around two major issues. First, the overarching aim of transition is the consolidation of peace and, second; operational assistance must start quickly and have immediate impact with a view to sustaining the transition. The latter should restore essential services and facilitate access to them, reconstitute livelihoods, jump-start the economy, provide social safety nets, initiate capacity building of national institutions. Programmes should address the particular needs of returnees and combatant re-integration as well as those of other vulnerable, excluded and disenfranchised groups. Programmes should give people hope and the expectation of a better future – the “peace dividend”.

For this to happen, of course, donors need to continue funding of emergency interventions while also supporting medium term actions and laying the groundwork for longer term development interventions. We are pleased that some donors have already acted. By way of examples, we would note that Norway now has a transition budget line. The US has created the Office of Transition Initiatives. The EU is using the Linking Relief, Rehabilitation and Development Framework.

Within the UN, the UN Development Group members are working on proposals for a multi-year resource mobilization instrument that draws on the best aspects of, and the lessons learned from, the CAP, UNDAF and other frameworks and processes. The aim is to develop a transition instrument that builds on existing frameworks and allows for immediate short term funding in a way that blends smoothly with planning and resource mobilization efforts over the medium and longer terms.

The general conclusions and recommendations that emerge from the process I have just described are based on a thorough review and assessment of specific country cases, including that of Burundi. While the issues faced by Burundi, Guinea-Bissau and other countries in the difficult transition process are similar in terms of broad principle, and summarized very well in Issues Paper D prepared for this session, an important lesson learned from the UNDG/ECHA exercise is that all situations require an individual response based on country specific conditions.

Key elements are that the process is not sequential but rather one in which many aspects exist simultaneously; national ownership and capacity building at both national and local levels is vital; a single coherent strategy for all UN system actors is imperative with leadership provided from the field but supported by headquarters acting in a coordinated fashion; and adequate, predictable and timely funding is required over a multi-year term.

We believe that the dialogue on the key issues of the enabling environment and resource mobilization for Least Developed Countries Emerging from Conflict is on-going – much has been said and done but much more remains to be said and, more importantly, done. We look forward today, as well as at ECOSOC, to a continuing exchange on transition issues and policies with a view to reaching common understandings and addressing this problem which has resulted in so much suffering, instability and poverty; an approach that allows the UN system to more effectively and efficiently carry out its mandated tasks in support of governments; an approach that makes the Millennium Development Goals a reality fro all people.

Thank you.