The UNDP is the most important agency within the UN development system and has the advantage of providing inter-sector technical assistance. Over the years, it has adhered to the principle of universality, neutrality and grant and committed itself to technical assistance to developing countries. It has established a good cooperative relationship of mutual trust with programming countries and greatly helped developing countries to eliminate poverty and achieve economic and social development. All this is widely acclaimed and supported by China and other developing countries. In face of the new situation and new challenges, the UNDP is making exploratory efforts, under the leadership of Mr. Brown, for adjustments or reforms where necessary.
China is appreciative of such efforts.
We always believe that the UNDP reform should ensure that the UNDP never deviate from its central task of providing development assistance to developing countries or from the principle of universality, neutrality and grant. The UNDP should base its development aid work on the actual conditions and needs of the recipient states and give consideration mainly to these elements. At the same time, the reform should also help improve the efficiency of the UNDP, increase its core resources and enable it to give a fuller play to its relative advantages. It is not advisable for the UNDP to shift its focus to those areas in which it is at a disadvantage or to the work or mandate of other UN agencies. Overlapping should be avoided.