In 2001 the UN Resident Coordinator System (RC System) in the Russian Federation undertook management and coordination functions in accordance with the principles outlined in the Secretary-General’s report of 14 July 1997 “Renewing the United Nations: a Programme for Reform”, in General Assembly Resolution # A/RES/52/12, and in the guidelines of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) concerning the tasks of the UN Coordination System at the country level.
Under the guidance of the RC System, the UN Country Team (UNCT) assisted the Russian Government in working towards the Millennium Development Goals, in particular relating to the development of a poverty reduction strategy, the implementation of a national programme for sustainable development and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
I. Improved Organizational Structure of the UNCT
In 2001 the RC System sought to strengthen the role, capacity, effectiveness and efficiency of the UNCT. To accomplish this, a new organizational structure of the UNCT was agreed:
An Inter-Agency Operations Team, supported by a Common Services Committee, were set up to deal with common services and common premises issues, and bring together the administrative personnel of the UN Agencies represented in Russia. Security Management Team was established to address security issues countrywide with a particular focus on the situation in the North Caucasus and close support to humanitarian operations there.
In order to focus the UNCT human and financial resources on key development issues, the number of Theme Groups was reduced from eight to three: Poverty, Governance and HIV/AIDS. These Theme Groups were targeted at joint programming in areas critical to the UN Agencies’ mandates in Russia. Two Coordination Groups, Health and Environment, are information sharing and co-ordination mechanisms involving UN Agencies, bilateral and international donors and national institutions, providing for programme level interaction. In addition, the creation of informal flexible groups is anticipated to provide for information sharing, discussion or joint action on education, gender and natural disasters.
The Coordination Group on Humanitarian Operations in the North Caucasus pursued its regular consultations on inter-agency operations in Chechnya and Ingushetia.
II. The Common Country Assessment
The completion of the Common Country Assessment (CCA) has been a top priority for the RC System and the UNCT over the past six months. An earlier draft, prepared under the leadership of ILO in 2000, has now been developed into a thematic document targeting poverty reduction in Russia. The final document will be submitted to the UNDG by the end of January 2002. The CCA will be the main instrument for coordinating joint UNCT development activity in the Russian Federation in the coming years.
III. Joint Programmes and Projects
In 2001 the RC System provided coordination, management and financial support to the following UNCT joint programmes and projects:
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms. Louise Frechette, senior officials of the UN Agencies, the UN Agencies’ representatives in Russia, leaders of top Russian corporations and representatives of the Russian government participated in the meeting on 19 November. The RC System and UNDP produced a special brochure on the Global Compact in two languages (English and Russian); the brochure was distributed among the participants of the meeting. The RC System is currently following-up the launch by supporting and extending the growing interest of the Russian and multinational corporate business to the Global Compact.
UNDP and the UNESCO Moscow Bureau worked on the development of biodiversity conservation programmes (including establishment of Biosphere reserves) for UNESCO World Heritage sites in Russia (“Golden Mountains of Altai”, “Volcanoes of Kamchatka”)
UNDP and UNESCO collaborated in an UNDP/Capacity 21 project in the Altai Republic. This project is aimed at promoting Local agenda 21 as well as sustainable development concept in the region.
UNDP and UNEP worked in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources under the programme of biodiversity conservation in the Russian Arctic (Taimyr peninsula).
IV. Enhanced Partnerships with the BWI, the Russian Government and Civil Society
V. Resident Coordinator’s Office, UN House and Common Services
VI. UN System Public Information and Advocacy
The fight against HIV/AIDS was a major topic for UN Day 2001 in the Russian Federation: one of the major challenges for the UNCT Russia is to advocate joint action against the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic and its economic consequences.
TABLE FOR THE 2001 RC ANNUAL REPORT IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATIONTo be included in the report or filled in electronically(filled in by CT, TG Chairs and Coordination Support Unit, as applicable)*
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MDGs/CROSS CUTTING ISSUES |
INTER-AGENCY THEME GROUPS OR AGENCIES COLLABORATING Name of related Inter-Agency Group if applicable, Agencies involved (3 or more). For TGs List chair and participants including government, donors, BWI and civil society, regional commissions and agencies not based in the country. |
IMPACT/RESULTS, GOOD PRACTICE/LESSON LEARNED, JOINT PROGRAMMES, OTHER COMMENTS |
SELF-ASSESSMENT OF CT Please rate on a scale of 1-6 for progress made in country level collaboration, Include comments on how the results were achieved and difficulties encountered in implementing these elements of UN Reform and collaborative activities. 1-2 =Limited, 3-4=Moderate, 5-6 =Extensive |
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Eradicate poverty and hunger |
Poverty Theme Group Chair: ILO Deputy Chair: UNDP Donor: Swedish Trust Fund
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Analytical paper “Russia: Towards a Poverty Alleviation Strategy. An Analysis and a Methodological Tool” was developed under the leadership of ILO using the work of external national and international consultants. Aspects of the paper were used in the preparation of the Common Country Assessment for Russia. The paper was presented to the Russian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on 20 November 2001 and to the civil society to coincide with The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. |
4 Results were achieved by undertaking research in ten clusters and subsequent analysis focused on income distribution issues. A comprehensive poverty reduction strategy will be produced by the Theme Group in 2002. The main difficulty encountered by the UN Country Team (UNCT) is the lack of established methodology to define poverty criteria for Russia. |
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Achieve universal primary education |
UNESCO started negotiations with the Ministry of Education on EFA National Plan: inter-agency collaboration on EFA topics should emerge soon |
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Promote gender equality and empower women |
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Reduce child mortality |
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Improve maternal health |
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Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases |
Theme Group on HIV/AIDS Chair: UNDP Deputy chair: UNAIDS |
The Theme Group is developing an integrated approach towards joint programming at the country level. UNCT helped to organise the meeting of the Consultative Conference of the CIS countries to prepare a consolidated position with respect to the Global Fund to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria (19 November 2001). Deputy Secretary General Ms. Louise Frechette participated in the meeting. International Annual Report on HIV/AIDS was launched from Moscow on 28 November 2001. |
4 Regular discussions at the meetings of the Theme group, meetings of the RC and UNAIDS with the Russian Federal Government (Ministry of Health) and Moscow City Government; publicising the UNCT strategy to fight HIV/AIDS epidemics at official UN celebrations (eg. UN Day) |
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Ensure environmental sustainability |
UNDP Environment Unit/GEF, UNEP, UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO, World Bank |
Environmental sustainability highlighted as the key development issue in the National Human Development Report 2001 (NHDR). Development aspects of the ecological situation in the regions affected by the Chernobyl accident were considered by UNDP, UNICEF and WHO represented in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus within the joint Chernobyl project. A GEF Country Dialogue Workshop was organised by UNDP, UNEP and the World Bank and resulted in improved coordination between GEF implementing agencies in Russia. The biodiversity conservation programme for UNESCO World Heritage sites in Russia (“Golden Mountains of Altai” and “Volcanoes of Kamchatka”) was developed by UNESCO and UNDP. UNDP and UNESCO were collaborating in UNDP/Capacity 21 project in the Altai Republic. UNDP and UNEP in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources undertook the programme of biodiversity conservation in the Russian Arctic (Taimyr) |
4 Inputs to the NHDR by the UNDP Environment Unit/GEF with the contributions from UNEP. Development aspects of the environmental and ecological sphere outlined by the UN Agencies participating in the Chernobyl Mission. The UNDP/Capacity 21 project in the Altai Republic and the UNESCO project to establish a transborder Biosphere reserve in the Altai helps to promote Local agenda 21 and sustainable development concept in the region, as well as prevent conflicts. Biodiversity conservation in Taimyr peninsula is promoted through joint UNDP/UNEP programme. |
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Develop a global partnership for development |
UN Country Team in Russia, the World Bank, key partners from the Russian Federal Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Launch of the Secretary-General’s Global Compact initiative; meeting of the UNCT with the Russian government and Russian corporations on 19 November contributed to enhanced partnership with Russian business and promoted the values and principles of human rights, environment and labour standards. Deputy Secretary General Ms. Louise Frechette participated in the Global Compact meeting in Moscow.
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5 The RC System and the UNDP are taking the lead role in organizing and promoting the Global Compact initiative among Russian corporate business and among the multinational companies represented in Russia. The UN Agencies are actively discussing the conceptual framework of the Global Compact and appropriate follow-up initiatives.
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Cross-cutting issues: |
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Recovery and Peace-building (prevention and post conflict) |
Humanitarian Coordination Group (UNHCR – Chair, OCHA, UNDP, UNICEF, UNSECOORD, WHO, WFP) |
Mobilising resources for and implementing the 2001 Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) for the North Caucasus. Developing and promoting the 2002 CAP. Facilitating effective and appropriate response to the humanitarian consequences of the situation in Chechnya. Preparing for the post-conflict period (assessment report on educational situation in Chechen Republic). |
5 The UN Agencies went through the following stages of CAP: pre-disaster planning, assessment of the needs of the North Caucasus region, strategic planning and appeal formulation and implementation. The SG in NY, HCHR in Copenhagen and UNCT in RF launched the Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal 2002 for the North Caucasus on 27 and 28 November 2001.
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Disaster Management |
UNDP, UNICEF, OCHA Under auspices of Humanitarian Coordination Group and an UNDAC mission |
UNDAC mission conducted and report filed to donors. Raised about 1 million USD. Support to the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in overcoming consequences of heavy floods. |
6 Assistance provided to the people of Yakutia, such as procurement of educational kits and winter boots. |
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Human Rights |
Theme Group on Governance Chair:UNICEF, Deputy Chair: UNIC |
Terms of Reference for the Theme Group on Governance were developed. The work will begin in 2002. |
3 Meetings of the RC with the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Theme Group; development of the Theme Group conceptual framework; planned discussion of the Theme Group concept and planned actions at the UNCT meeting in January 2002. In 2001 the work of the Theme Group was limited to organizing its activity in Russia and to developing its conceptual framework. |
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Other issue/s (CT to add to table where relevant) |
UNDP and UNICEF with the support of UNOCHA and WHO |
Inter-regional Chernobyl effort undertake by UN Agencies to promote recovery of the affected areas through a shift from humanitarian relief to development. A UN situational analysis mission assessed economic, environmental and health consequences of the accident in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine and produced recommendations for a new response to the development needs of the affected countries. The new medium-term strategy calls for joint efforts of the UN, governments, international community and voluntary sector. |
5 Regular meetings of the Steering Committee involving UNCT’s in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine (UNDP, UNICEF, OCHA, WHO). Collaborative planning for resource mobilisation. Preparation and launch of the report in February 2002 (led by UNCTs in the field under the guidance of the UN Coordinator of International Cooperation on Chernobyl). |
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IMPACT OF UN REFORM ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE UN SYSTEM AT THE COUNTRY LEVEL |
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Harmonization and Simplification of Programmes and Programming Cycles: CCA/UNDAF, and links with PRSP, Joint Mid-term Reviews |
The RC System, UNCT, the World Bank |
A CCA was prepared focusing on poverty reduction. The CCA will serve as the basis for advocacy and political dialogue with the government and other bilateral donors, and as a basis for joint UNCT programming. |
5 Discussions at the UNCT, analytical and research activity of the Theme groups, inputs of international consultant and national expert. CCA retreat was conducted on 18 December 2001. |
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Joint Programming |
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Harmonization and Simplification of Administrative Procedures |
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Common Premises and Services |
UNCT Inter-Agency Operations Team and Common Services Committee |
Improved effectiveness and efficiency of the UN administrative and operational functions at the country level. UN House to become operational in April 2002. |
3 Weekly meetings of the Common Services Committee, regular meetings of the Operations Management Team. Involvement of international consultant in the process of finalizing the lease agreement for the UN Common House. |
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Partnerships (BWI, donors, and civil society) |
Strengthening partnerships with: 1) World Bank (CCA and Poverty reduction strategy); 2) donors - Swedish government (Poverty reduction strategy); 3) Russian Government and Russian corporations (the Global Compact initiative);4) government officials and civil society (conducting the training course “Managing in a World of Uncertainty” on 12-16 November 2001). |
Enhanced partnership of the UN Agencies with the BWI, Russian government and NGOs. Emerging background for joint programming. |
4 Involvement of the World Bank in the monthly UNCT meetings, the CCA retreat, UN public events and celebrations. Meetings with government partners, business community and civil society to discuss key development issues. Organizing and financing the training course for UN colleagues and partners from government and civil society. Support for the creation and work of NGO committee under the President of the Russian State Duma and installation on a UNESCO chair on State-civil society interaction by UNESCO. |
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ANNEXComposition of the UN Country Team in the Russian Federation Mr. Frederick Lyons, Resident Coordinator and Designated Official for Security, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Adward Nassim, IFC Ms. Pauline Barret-Reid, ILO Mr. Poul Mathias Thomsen, IMF Mr. Edwin Mclain, IOM Mr. Toby Lanzer, OCHA Mr. Arkadiusz Majszyk, UNAIDS Mr. Vladimir Storchevus, UNCHS (Habitat) Ms. Blanche de Bonneval, UNDP DRR Mr. Alexander Gudyma, UNEP Dr. Mikko Vienonen, WHO Mr. Julian Schweitzer, the World Bank -ILO (Chair) OCHA -UNDP (Deputy Chair) UNDP -UNICEF (Chair) UNSECOORD -UNIC (Deputy Chair) WHO -UNDP (Chair) -WHO (Deputy Chair) -UNAIDS (Secretariat) Coordination Groups AdministrationTeams 2. Inter-Agency Operations Team
January 2002 |