Permanent Mission of India
New York
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Annual Session of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Boardwith disabilities: Interactive Dialogue on Engagement with UN80 Initiative

Statement by Ms. R. Mythili, R.Mythili, Counsellor (Legal Adviser)
08 June 2026

Mr. President

We thank the principals for their briefings this morning.

India aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity.

2. We welcome this interactive dialogue and reiterate our support for the objectives of the UN80 initiative, particularly efforts to enhance effectiveness, reduce fragmentation, improve efficiency and strengthen delivery across the United Nations system. We recognize the need for the UN development system to adapt to evolving global challenges and resource constraints. At the same time, any reform process must remain Member State-driven, evidence-based, transparent and guided by a careful assessment of costs, benefits, risks and implementation implications.

3. Development remains a core pillar of the United Nations. Any reform proposal should preserve and strengthen development mandates, support national ownership, and remain responsive to programme country priorities. Reforms must enhance development outcomes rather than be driven solely by financial considerations. Institutional arrangements should strengthen, not dilute, the distinct mandates, expertise, governance structures and accountability frameworks entrusted by Member States.

Mr. President,

4. With regard to the proposal concerning a potential merger of UNDP and UNOPS, India takes note of the preliminary assessment presented. Without prejudging our position, we note the significant legal, operational, financial, governance, and delivery-related complexities associated with a structural merger, particulary where the creation of a new entity is envisaged. We remain unconvinced that mergers, in themselves, necessarily produce better development outcomes or efficiencies, given the potential transition costs, risks to specialized expertise and challenges to accountability.

5. In this regard, India would appreciate further clarification on the following:

(i) the safeguards to preserve UNDP's development mandate and country presence, while maintaining UNOPS's distinct implementation and service-delivery strengths.

(ii) What are the specific benefits that could only be achieved through a structural merger rather than enhanced cooperation and

(iii) how a merged entity would reconcile the fundamentally different financial models of UNDP and UNOPS while maintaining accountability and financial discipline.

6. India remains committed to constructive engagement and looks forward to further information that will enable Member States to assess the merits, risks and implications of the options under consideration.

I thank you.