Government Modernization Committee reviews the One UN Programme

The Government Modernization Committee(GMC), the Government’s highest level policy, coordination and decision making authority for One UN Initiative met today with United Nations Agencies to take stock of the first two years of implementation of the One UN Programme, define challenges and plan ahead for the next programming cycle.

Minister of State Mr. Genc Pollo, Chair of the GMC, in his speech highlighted the progress achieved since the signing of the One UN programme in 2007. Amongst others, he noted: “ Areas of support included in the One UN Programme, are of great importance for our country and I express my belief that projects implemented in the framework of One UN, are in full complinace with the national priorities of Albania included in the Nationsl Strategy for Development and Intergration, as well as in the sectoral strategies.”

Mr. Pollo also noted that “the One UN Coherence Fund, a joint trust fund of the GoA and the UN, has increased transparency of allocations and allowed for a stronger Government leadership and overview of UN Activities.

Ms. Gülden Türköz –Cosslett, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania discussed the benefits of UN Agencies working together under one strategic UN Programme, responding to national development priorities and EU integration goals. She summarized opportunities and challenges met during programme implementation.

She thanked Minister Pollo and the Government of Albania for their strong leadership and commitment in the implementation of the programme.

Ms.Turkoz- Cosslett also highlighted that the Delivering as One UN in Albania, is contributing to changes at global level in the way the UN works and fostering broader reform in the UN family. She went on to thank the donor community who have supported the programme.

Ministers from various line ministries involved in the implementation of One UN programme, also attended the meeting and pointed that Climate Change, Capacity Development and Social Inclusion are areas where the UN should continue to focus their work during the next programming cycle.

The Delivering as One initiative has seen a shift in the way the UN works. Eight new Joint Programmes have started since 2007.