UN Country Team reaffirms commitment to UN Reforms and Government priorities

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Eswatini held its annual retreat at Royal Villas, Ezulwini on June 24 - 28 under the theme: “Delivering as One in an evolving socio-political and economic environment in Eswatini”.

The Retreat took place within the context of the repositioning of the United Nations Development System. The reform has ushered changes at the global, regional and national level with the objective of strengthening coordination of the UN system to deliver more efficiently and enable the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN Reform includes delinking the Resident Coordinator function from UNDP and strengthening the Delivering as One modality through the implementation of the five key enablers:One Leader, under the Resident Coordinator; One Programme, namely the UNDAF, now called the UNSDCF; One Operation (BOS); One Voice (UNCG); One Fund. 

The changes have necessitated the development of new enablement tools. The UNDAF guidelines have been reviewed, and so have the Management and Accountability Framework. The Terms of Reference of the Resident Coordinator role have been reviewed to reflect the enhanced leadership and coordination functions with the related administrative structure.

In her opening remarks, the Resident Coordinator, Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, who assumed her position in December 2018, noted that the UN exists in a rapidly changing environment and that its ability to adapt was critical.

"Our agility, flexibility and ability to adjust or adapt are continuously being challenged and we are expected to demonstrate that the UN development system in Eswatini delivers in conformity with the priorities established by the competent national authorities and, ultimately, is fit for purpose," the Resident Coordinator said. 

The current UNDAF (2016-2020) focuses on three main outcome areas: (i) Poverty and inequality reduction, inclusive growth and sustainable development; (ii) Equitable and efficient delivery of and access to social services; and (iii) Good Governance and accountability.