Conor Lenihan announces €43.5m for United Nations Funds and Programmes

Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights, today announced contributions of €43.5 million by Ireland to the United Nations Funds and Programmes for development. He made the announcement following a series of meetings at the UN, including with the Secretary General, Kofi Annan.

Included in this contribution are:  €10.6 million for UNICEF, €16.2 million for the UN Development Programme (UNDP), €3.1 million for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), €3.3 million for the High Commissioner for Human Rights and €2.75 million for the World Health Organization.

Speaking in New York, Minister Lenihan said:

“This funding is an important element of our overall national support for the United Nations. The UN Charter mandates the organization to promote economic and social development globally and this mandate is carried out mainly through these major funds and programmes which depend on voluntary contributions by UN member States.

“To fulfil this mandate, the funds and programmes depend largely on voluntary contributions from UN members like Ireland.

“Our contributions to the UN have been increasing steadily in recent years.

“UN leadership is essential to meeting some of the greatest challenges of our time including combating HIV/AIDS, protecting human rights, supporting victims of international or civil conflict, and developing democratic and accountable systems of government.

“Reform remains high on the UN agenda, including in the development area to ensure strengthened coordination and minimise duplication.

“Ireland is a strong supporter of the reform underway.  Our financial support for and engagement with the funds and programmes means that we can encourage the reform process in a positive way and help build a better UN.”

Contributions for emergency humanitarian purposes are separately funded and are not included in the above figures.

ENDS +++
2nd June 2006
Press Office
Department of Foreign Affairs