UN Applauds Progress and Urges Urgent Action on Development Reforms

 New York, 22 May 2025 : The United Nations has reiterated its strong commitment to ongoing reforms within its development system, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to address global crises and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During her closing remarks at the ECOSOC Segment on Operational Activities for Development, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted key achievements and challenges facing the UN development system. She commended Member States, Resident Coordinators, and UN entities for their unified commitment to reform and praised Ambassador Csaba Kőrösi and Vice-Chair Achim Steiner for their leadership.

"We are living through a time of crisis," Mohammed said, referring to ongoing global conflicts and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. "But with this crisis comes an opportunity — a moment to invest in our shared future."

Mohammed noted that significant strides have been made in strengthening coordination across the UN development system. She emphasized that Resident Coordinators are increasingly central to delivering coherent, country-level support, a key demand from Member States.

However, she acknowledged ongoing concerns about funding and the need to further enhance operational efficiencies, particularly in implementing common back-office functions and ensuring a more agile UN presence on the ground.

Looking ahead, Mohammed outlined several priorities, including recalibrating the Development Coordination Office (DCO), strengthening country programming tools, and aligning UN entities more closely with reform goals through the upcoming business model reviews and enhanced accountability frameworks.

She stressed the importance of building on the momentum of the upcoming UN80 celebrations, which mark the UN’s 80th anniversary, to drive reform and renew global solidarity. "UN80 provides a unique opportunity to push for greater efficiency, accountability, and alignment with country needs," she said.

Crucially, Mohammed underlined the role of the broader international financial system, urging Member States to ensure that commitments made in the Pact for the Future are fulfilled. She pointed to key global gatherings ahead — including the Financing for Development Conference (FfD4), the World Social Summit, the Food Systems Stocktake, and COP — as critical platforms to reinvigorate multilateral efforts.

With the 2030 deadline for the SDGs fast approaching, Mohammed closed with a powerful call to action: "We can transform our current challenges into opportunities. But we need to act together — and act now."

Her remarks served as a rallying cry for nations to uphold the rights to justice, dignity, and sustainable development for all.