Minister Budrys: EU must use its leverage to bring about effective reforms of the UN development cooperation system
On 21 September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys participated in an informal meeting of EU and close partner countries’ development cooperation ministers in New York, organized by Ireland, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). Representatives from Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and other partners, as well as European Commissioner Jozef Síkela, took part in the discussion.
The meeting focused primarily on reforming the United Nations (UN) development cooperation system amid declining international funding. The Ministers discussed how to ensure more effective support for partner countries, avoid overlapping initiatives, and strengthen the impact of international aid.
“The EU is the world’s largest donor and must use its voice to push for necessary reforms. As the future Presidency of the Council of the EU, we will continue to coordinate efforts and strengthen the EU’s single voice in the field of development cooperation,” emphasized Budrys.
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the importance of reforming the UN development system to reduce aid fragmentation, increase aid effectiveness, and encourage closer private-sector engagement. Budrys stressed that, given limited resources, it is essential to focus on initiatives that generate the greatest impact and to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors.
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