PH, UNDP Philippines to Cooperate on COVID-19 Response, Peacebuilding and Digitalization

PASAY CITY 03 November 2020 – Newly-appointed United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the Philippines, Dr. Selvakumaran Ramachandran called on Hon. Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs on 29 October 2020 via Zoom. 

During the call, Sec. Locsin congratulated Dr. Ramachandran on his appointment and UNDP, for its newly-launched project, “Enhancing Human Security in the Philippines by Addressing the Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19,” funded by the Government of Japan. He expressed that UNDP is assured of DFA’s support in the implementation of the project. 

Dr. Ramachandran highlighted UNDP’s priorities in the Philippines: support and augmentation of the Philippines’ COVID-19 response, peacebuilding, and digitalization. Referring to digitalization, he stated that this is in an area where the Philippines and UNDP can share and export experiences and expand cooperation. 

Noting that the Philippines is at the receiving end of climate disaster, he also recognized the importance of an effective climate response and development of green solutions towards the achievement of the SDGs. 

Both acknowledged the continuous mutual support and expressed gratitude for the strong partnership between their institutions towards strengthened engagement and attainment of common development objectives. END  

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Dr. Ramachandran is a Malaysian national with over 27 years of experience in the development sector. Prior to his appointment as Resident Representative of UNDP Philippines, he was the UNDP Resident Representative and Country Director of UNDP Sudan from 2015 to 2020. He also served in UNDP Country Offices in Yemen, Libya, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia. 

He is also the concurrent United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Director, a.i. in the Philippines.