The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Matete ‘Nena, participated in the Second Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA and UNOPS from 28 to 31 August, 2023.
The session reviewed and approved the UNFPA and UNDP Country Programmes Documents for Lesotho.
Ambassador ‘Nena praised both UNFPA and UNDP- Lesotho for their transparency and the inclusive process that led to the development of the two programmes. He said that the government of Lesotho, in collaboration with the youth, civil society organizations, academia, United Nations Agencies, and other development partners, contributed to the strategic direction and interventions elaborated in those programmes.
On the UNFPA CPD, Ambassador ‘Nena emphasized that the government will work jointly with UNFPA in accelerating the reduction of preventable maternal deaths, unmet need for family planning, Gender Based Violence and harmful practices. He called for more resources in support of this important program.
As regards the UNDP CPA, Ambassador ‘Nena highlighted that Lesotho needs support in mobilizing development financing sources to achieve its development objectives as well as the SDGs. He further highlighted that the support of the United Nations Development Programme, particularly on the Government of Lesotho to sustain the national reform agenda has led to the compilation of the Omnibus Bill, which is currently before Parliament for adoption.
Lesotho also delivered a statement on behalf of the African Group Members during the UNDP Segment on the dialogue with the UNDP Administrator. Furthermore, Lesotho facilitated the negotiations on the Executive Board Decision on UNOPS Budget Estimates for the 2024–2025 Biennium, which was adopted by consensus during the closing session of the Executive Board.
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