Permanent Mission of India
New York
--

Joint Meeting of the Executive Boards:
UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS, UNICEF, UN – Women and WFP

UN80: System-wide Perspectives and Strategic Considerations
Session 1: Governance, Mandates and system-wide coherence

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

Thank You

Mr. Chair, Excellencies,

We thank the DSG for her remarks and the principals for their briefing today .

2. At the outset, India reaffirms its commitment to humanitarian action guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. We recognize the important role played by the United Nations in humanitarian diplomacy, including facilitating access to affected populations, mobilizing partnerships across governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector and advocating for policies that protect vulnerable communities.

3. With regard to the UN80 process, India supports efforts to strengthen coordination, efficiency and effectiveness across the UN system. However, greater coherence should not come at the expense of the distinct mandates, governance structures and comparative advantages of individual UN entities. Reform efforts should therefore focus on improving collaboration, reducing duplication and enhancing country-level coordination while fully respecting the mandates and accountability frameworks that have been established by Member States.

4. India believes that Executive Boards and Member States must remain at the center of any discussions concerning significant institutional changes. Proposals that may affect mandates, operational models, funding arrangements, lines of accountability or intergovernmental oversight should be considered through established governance processes and under the guidance of the relevant governing bodies. Meaningful Member State engagement is essential to ensuring the legitimacy, effectiveness, and sustainability of any reform measures.

5. Member States should be provided with clear evidence and analysis, including assessments of operational impact, financial implications, risks, expected benefits and lessons learned from previous reform efforts. Equally important are transparent and inclusive consultation processes that provide sufficient time for review and deliberation. Regular reporting, independent evaluations where appropriate and continued engagement with governing bodies will be critical to ensuring transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making throughout the process.

6. India stands ready to engage constructively in discussions aimed at strengthening the Organization's ability to deliver on its mandates.

I thank you.