03.06.2025 Statement by Denmark at Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS

Checked Against Delivery

UNFPA SEGMENT

Mister President, Madame Executive Director,

In addition to the statement delivered by Finland on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark wishes to add a few general remarks in our national capacity.

In 1970, Denmark gave UNFPA a firm pledge of support.

Denmark has been steadfast in its commitment and partnership with UNFPA since.

For decades, we have worked together towards a world where no woman dies while giving birth, where all women and girls can live free from violence, and where rights and choices are at the very heart of development.

Tremendous progress has been made since that first pledge of support in 1970.

Yet, the rise in global crises—together with growing opposition to sexual and reproductive health and rights—risks undermining our hard-won gains and obstructing further progress.

At the same time, the UN development system is undergoing significant change and reform – the UN80-initiative must achieve a more efficient and impactful UN.

These efforts, while necessary, must not come at the expense of gender equality or human rights.

UNFPA’s own reform initiatives are important steps in strengthening the organization’s agility, efficiency, and responsiveness.

These reforms position UNFPA to deliver more effectively on the ground and to stay fit for purpose in a changing global landscape.

As UNFPA lays the foundation for its next Strategic Plan and positions itself in the context of the post-2030 development agenda, its role is more crucial than ever.

A strong UNFPA, with a clear and unwavering human rights-based mandate, is not only necessary, it is indispensable.

Madam Executive Director,

You can count on Denmark’s full support to continue driving this agenda forward.

Madam Executive Director,

This Annual Session marks the last of your tenure as Executive Director for UNFPA.

Under your leadership, UNFPA has delivered significant results for women and young people around the world. You have steered UNFPA with determination, purpose and a commitment to leaving no one behind.

The work will continue – and while challenges remain, so do the achievements.

The world is undoubtedly a better place today thanks to UNFPA and the efforts of all UNFPA staff in every region and context.

On behalf of the Danish government, I thank you wholeheartedly for your tireless work.