OTTAWA - The Honourable Josée Verner, International Cooperation Minister, welcomes the announcement by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, that Robert Greenhill, President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), has been appointed as a member of a panel that will study UN system-wide coherence in the areas of development, humanitarian assistance and the environment.
"I am delighted that Canada will have a voice on this important panel," said Minister Verner. "Mr. Greenhill's appointment will give Canada an opportunity to influence discussions around strengthening the effectiveness of the UN's developmental, environmental and humanitarian activities."
Robert Greenhill was appointed President of CIDA in May, 2005. Mr. Greenhill also serves as Alternate Governor for Canada on the Board of Governors of the World Bank Group and sits on the Board of Governors of the International Development Research Centre. With his strong interest in global issues, Mr. Greenhill has combined a career in international business with a commitment to international public policy.
The aim of the study is to seek recommendations that will maximize resources for relief and development programmes in the UN system while minimizing administrative costs. Its recommendations will enable the UN to increase its contribution to achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. The panel's final recommendations will be submitted to the UN Secretary-General this summer and to the General Assembly in the fall.
This panel is a response to the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document that called for a greater coordination across the various development agencies, funds and programs. It is composed of a group of prominent figures from the political and development domain. Appointed Executive Director to the panel is Adnan Z. Amin, Director of the UN Environment Programme. Co-chairing the panel are Prime Ministers Luisa Dias Diogo from Mozambique, Jens Stoltenberg from Norway and Shaukat Aziz from Pakistan.
Canada is at the forefront of efforts by the international community to strengthen the UN system and provide better coordination. Canada supports the Good Humanitarian Donorship Initiative, which it chaired for two years, designed to strengthen the multilateral humanitarian system, improve the protection of civilians, and ensure effective, coordinated and equitable response to crises around the world.
For more information on the UN expert panel, please visit www.un.org.
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Information:
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Website: www.cida.gc.ca (electronic version of document)
