UN joins Europe, World Bank to boost recovery of States after conflict, disaster

In an effort to more effectively help countries recover from conflicts and natural disasters, the United Nations, European Union and World Bank signed an agreement today to harmonize their collective assistance, developing common tools, training and evaluation mechanisms.

“We believe a common platform for partnership and action is central to the delivery of an effective and sustainable international response after disaster- and conflict-related crises,” the three partners said in a joint declaration at UN Headquarters in New York.

“We are engaged in significant work to reform the processes used by national and international partners to assess, plan, and mobilize support for recovery to countries and populations affected by natural disasters or violent conflicts.”

The accord was signed by UN Development Group (UNDG) Chair and UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Kemal Dervis, European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and World Bank Vice President for Operations Policy and Country Services, Jeffrey Gutman.

“We’ve been working for over a year on this agreement, and I think it’s a very good step forward,” Mr. Dervis said. “The UN system’s expertise can provide real support for these efforts.”

The UN Development Group, created in 1997 to coordinate operational activities for development at the country level, unites 33 UN funds, programmes, agencies, offices and departments, and five observers to deliver more effective support to the developing world.