Ambassador Lagumdzija Addresses UNDP Executive Board Interactive Dialogue
New York, 3 February 2026
The Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Zlatko Lagumdžija, delivered a statement at the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, during the Interactive Dialogue with the UNDP Administrator, held as part of the Board’s Regular Session.
The Executive Board is the intergovernmental body responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and policy guidance to UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, including the approval of their strategic plans, programmes, and budgets.
In his remarks, Ambassador Lagumdžija congratulated Administrator De Croo on assuming leadership of UNDP and reaffirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s support for the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the UN80 reform process, aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and responsiveness of the UN development system.
He underscored the importance of anchoring all reform efforts in the core values and principles of the United Nations, while highlighting the long-standing and productive partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and UNDP. The Permanent Representative identified inclusive green growth, human capital development, and strong, accountable institutions as key areas for continued cooperation, aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European integration path.
Bosnia and Herzegovina reaffirmed its strong support for UNDP and the role of the Executive Board in guiding ambitious and balanced reforms driven by Member States.
Below is the Ambassador’s statement
PERMANENT MISSION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
STATEMENT
by
H.E. Mr. Zlatko Lagumdžija
Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations
at
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS
INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE UNDP ADMINISTRATOR
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
New York
3 February 2026
PERMANENT MISSION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
211E 43rd STREET, SUITE 1701, NEW YORK, NY 10017 – TEL (212)751-9015-FAX(212)751-9019
Mr. President,
Administrator De Croo,
Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,
It is an honor to address this Executive Board during its First Regular Session and to take part in this interactive dialogue at an important moment for the United Nations development system.
At the outset, allow me to warmly congratulate Administrator De Croo on assuming leadership of UNDP. Bosnia and Herzegovina looks forward to working closely with you as UNDP advances its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029 and implements the UN80 reform process.
Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly supports the objectives of UN80: building a more agile, effective, and responsive UN development system—one capable of delivering faster and better results, particularly in complex political environments and under increasing financial and operational constraints. In this context, we underscore the importance of ensuring that all reform efforts remain firmly anchored in the core values and principles of the United Nations.
Mr. President,
Bosnia and Herzegovina highly values its long-standing and constructive partnership with UNDP. This cooperation has produced concrete and visible results on the ground, as we look ahead, we see UNDP as a key strategic partner in advancing inclusive green growth, strengthening human capital, and building accountable and effective institutions. These priorities align closely with UNDP’s global objectives and with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitments under the 2030 Agenda, as well as with our European integration path.
At a time of heightened geopolitical strain and constrained resources, we particularly value UNDP’s ability to operate effectively in challenging contexts and to serve as a trusted partner that bridges national priorities with global development commitments, while remaining responsive to country-specific needs.
We should never forget that Article 1 of the UN Charter defines the purposes of the United Nations as maintaining international peace and security, achieving international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
Administrator De Croo, as UNDP moves forward with the implementation of the UN80 reform agenda, we would welcome your reflections on how the organization intends to balance greater agility and efficiency with the preservation of mandates, a strong country-level presence, and effective partnerships—especially in politically complex and resource-constrained environments such as Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In closing, Bosnia and Herzegovina reaffirms its strong support for UNDP and for the guiding role of this Executive Board in shaping reforms that are ambitious, balanced, and firmly driven by member states.
Thank you
