Permanent Mission of India
New York
--

UNFPA Segment -Statement by the Executive Director at
First Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS
Statement by Ms. R. Mythili Counsellor (Legal Advisor)

4 February 2026

Thank you Mr. President,

We congratulate you Madam Executive Director forassuming this role during this challenging times.

2. We also thank you for the comprehensive presentation today morning reflecting on cross-cutting issues. We appreciate the same and have noted well.

3. Let me make brief remarks.

Mr.President,

4. India underscores that any strategic assessment of a proposed merger (UNFPA and UN-Women) must comprehensively identify and address several key considerations. These include ensuring operational efficiency through a clearly defined and lean headquarters structure, with the consolidation of administrative functions, strengthening support to host governments in line with their national priorities, including capacity-building and programmatic assistance and clarifying reporting lines and governance arrangements. Focus should be on implementing the Strategic Plan 2026-29. Furthermore, implementation modalities and resource allocation should prioritize core mandates. The final decision regarding any merger must remain the exclusive prerogative of the Member States.

5. We reaffirm our commitment to work closely with the UNFPA.

Thank you Mr. President.