In his opening remarks at the Executive Board in February, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to UN Coherence. Stating it as a priority for UNICEF, Mr. Lake noted that UNICEF can become an even stronger partner and a leader in promoting UN Coherence.
At the Annual Session of the Executive Board in June, Mr. Lake emphasized that we build partnerships, not for the sake of partnerships, but for the sake of children. "We strive to be a leader of UN Coherence, not for greater influence, but for greater impact. And we work to deliver as one...to deliver. For in the end, results - results for children, for women, for all their families - results are all that matters...if children's rights are to be fulfilled."
A paper entitled "Making Coherence Work for Children" has been prepared in consultation with the Steering Group on UN Coherence and with inputs from more than 100 HQ, regional and country office staff. The objective is to articulate UNICEF's commitment to UN Coherence - why UN Coherence matters to UNICEF, and how we promote and lead on a shift from a process to a results-oriented approach. An operational document to address issues faced by country offices when implementing UN Coherence is also in the process of being finalized.
Collectively, these two documents outline how UNICEF's engagement in UN Coherence can provide opportunities to promote the equity approach, build new partnerships and engage in a broader coalition in the effort to reach the most vulnerable children.
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TCPR ACTION PLAN PROGRESS
UNICEF has been implementing the commitments outlined in the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review (TCPR). One hundred per cent of the actions laid out in its interdivisional UNICEF TCPR Action Plan, developed in 2008, have either been completed, are continuous or are in process. In fact, only 12 of the 90 actions remain in process.
In the past seven months, 13 activities from the TCPR Action Plan have been completed. These UNICEF and interagency activities included guidance on inter-agency initiatives such as the common budgetary framework; thematic papers on best practices in meeting the Millennium Development Goals; learning initiatives on gender; the revision of the Core Commitments for Children for humanitarian response; a guidance note on South-South cooperation; and technical assistance to the establishment of UN Women and the Delivering as One Pilot country evaluations.
There are a few items that will take longer to complete, including harmonization of reporting requirements among agencies; further development of country office capacity in national supply and procurement; standardization of audit definitions and ratings; and full harmonization of cash transfers (HACT). UNICEF remains committed to seeing all TCPR action items through to completion.
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