DFA Undersecretary Highlights Key Role of PH-UN Coordination in Maximizing Impact of UN Cooperation Framework 2024-2028

DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo and United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) Regional Director for Asia Pacific David McLachlan-Karr discuss the importance of anchoring the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) on the Philippine Development Plan to maximize its impact in promoting sustainable development in the Philippines. (DFA-OPCD photo by Maria Vanessa Ubac)

PASAY CITY 02 March 2023 - Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo received United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) Regional Director for Asia Pacific David McLachlan-Karr during the latter’s courtesy call at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 15 February 2023. 

Mr. McLachlan-Karr visited the Philippines on an official trip to review the progress of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in line with ongoing preparations for the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024-2028.

The UNDCO serves as the Secretariat of the UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), which is responsible for coordinating the UN’s efforts and providing programme countries technical support to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

During the call, Undersecretary Domingo recognized the role of the UN in augmenting the Philippine government’s efforts to achieve its nationally-determined priorities and to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

“I urge the UN through the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the UN Country Team to continue working closely with counterparts from the Philippine government to make sure that the new Cooperation Framework is responsive to the needs of Filipinos,” he said.

The UNSDCF or Cooperation Framework is a document that guides the relationship between the Philippines and the UN. Through a series of consultations between the Philippine government and the UN, the UNSDCF identifies strategic priority areas where the UN’s support is deemed necessary.

Mr. McLachlan-Karr also encouraged the Philippine government to continue taking a proactive approach in shaping the UNSDCF in order to leverage its potential to accelerate the achievement of both national and global development goals. He assured the Undersecretary that the UN is ready to support the Philippines in its efforts to remain on the path to sustainable development.

During the call, the Undersecretary was accompanied by the Assistant Secretary of the Office of the United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) Kira Christianne D. Azucena and UNIO Acting Director for Multilateral Economic Security and the SDGs Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia. Mr. McLachlan-Karr was accompanied by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez. END