DHAKA, Feb 5, 2024 (BSS) - The Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS 2024 concluded its First Regular Session with the Presidency of the Bangladesh Government held at UNHQ in New York on February 2 last.
 
While chairing the closing of the Session, President of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith said UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS have been navigating and responding to the multiple and overlapping crises from the past few years, and their commitment to strengthen support, especially for the most vulnerable and the people at risk, is reassuring, a foreign ministry press release said.
 
During the week-long session held from 29 January to 2 February 2024, the Board engaged in interactive discussions covering substantive, operational and management issues, including impacts of the work of the UN agencies at the country level.

The session addressed vital aspects pertinent to the key oversight functions of the Board, encompassing policy evaluation, scrutiny of auditors' reports, and other pertinent governance issues.
 
During the session, the heads of these three vital UN agencies - UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem and UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva exchanged dialogue with the members of the Board.

They expressed their strong commitment to remain on the ground and continue delivering for the people, irrespective of the complex economic, political and security challenges.
 
Ambassador Muhith expressed his commitment to supporting the work of these three UN agencies through technical and strategic guidance and remaining engaged with members of the Board to ensure that the work of the UN produces the most effective results for the people.

Apart from chairing the Executive Board sessions, Ambassador Muhith held meetings and interactions with the heads of the agencies at the bilateral and regional setup.
 
Ambassador Muhith assumed the responsibilities of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board as the President on 10 January 2024.

He is the first Bangladeshi Ambassador to be elected as the President of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board. Previously, he served as the vice president of the same Board and the President of the UN Women Executive Board.