03 July 2009
International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander met yesterday with Helen Clark the new Administrator for the United Nations Development Programme. Helen Clark is in the UK for a short visit which also includes meetings with DFID minister, Gareth Thomas and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Douglas Alexander said "I am pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Helen Clark today and I welcome her appointment as the new Administrator for the United Nations Development Programme.
“As a former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen's strong leadership comes at an important time for UNDP and the UN development system, and as the first women to lead UNDP it is particularly relevant as the world looks to set up a new UN Agency for women.
Helen Clark said “DFID’s close and longstanding partnership with UNDP is very important to us, and it is one which I am committed to building on during my time as Administrator. "
"These are times when developing countries need our support more than ever. Without that support, the global recession could reverse hard-fought development gains, just when we should be accelerating our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. With political commitment, additional resources, and redoubled efforts, the international community can still reach the MDG targets. "
Helen Clark was appointed as Administrator of the UNDP in April 2009 and also chairs the UN Development Group which draws together all UN funds, programmes and Departments working on development issues.
The UNDP is central to achieving DFID’s vision for a united and effective UN - pulling together the work of different UN agencies at country level and pushing the UN to act and deliver as one for the world’s poorest people. The UNDP also has a critical role to provide support to fragile and conflict-affected countries.
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Douglas Alexander shaking hands with Helen Clark
