He also praised the UN and UNDP Office's role and activities, led by the UN Resident Coordinator Francis O'Donnell, especially, in supporting international aid coordination in Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of Paris Declaration, calling for a more effective international assistance.
In this context, Danylyshyn promised that Ukraine would make everything possible to implement the UN's recommendations, aimed at resolving the pending problems of economic, social, cultural and humanitarian character, according to the Ministry's press-service.
UN Assistant Secretary-General appreciated "socially-oriented" approach and pro-poor policy of the current Government, yet stressed the need for fiscal discipline amid growing inflation and external pressures, including 9,7% inflation rate for first three months in 2008 and a 3.8%-increase in prices in March 2008.
At the same time, Udovički referred to the importance of the UN Development Assistance Framework, adopted in Ukraine for 2006-2010, which outlines the UN-led support in conducting institutional reforms, further development of civil society, poverty reduction and halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. She expressed her concern that Ukraine's Government was not responding adequately to HIV/AIDS problem, and while Ukraine has the highest HIV prevalence in Europe, the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health are reportedly considering a cut in HIV/AIDS budget for 2009.
Summing up the meeting results, Minister Danylyshyn has thanked the UN System in Ukraine for its unflagging and well-targeted support in maintaining an open dialogue with international donor community for better foreign aid coordination in Ukraine, designing and implementing economic reforms and close cooperation with the Ukrainian Government within the ‘Blue Ribbon' Commission activities.
Note for Editors:
Kori Udovički, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Regional Director for Europe and CIS has arrived on her first official five-day visit to Ukraine from 15 till 19 April.
During her stay in Kyiv, Ms. Udovički opened an International Conference on Poverty Alleviation organized by UNDP in Ukraine, met with the Ukrainian officials and the representatives of international donor organizations and UN partners in Ukraine. On Saturday, 19 April, she will visit Simferopol where meetings are planned with the representatives of local authorities of Crimea and meetings with technical assistance projects staff implemented by UNDP Crimea Integration and Development Program.
Kori Udovički assumes her responsibilities as an Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator of UNDP and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) since 1 February 2007. Ms. Udovički holds a Ph.D. (1999) and a M.Phil.(1988) in Economics, both from Yale University. She is married and has three children.
16.04.08
