Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN Davit Knyazyan at the General Debate on the Financing for Development Forum

26 April, 2022

Mr. President,

The Financing for Development Forum provides an opportunity to take stock of the challenges and identify measures for mobilization of resources to achieve sustainable, inclusive and people-centered recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year the Forum gains even more relevance as the international community undertakes efforts to reverse the setback and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have detrimental impact on the countries in special situations, including the landlocked developing countries. The latest report on the Implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs for the decade 2014–2024 demonstrates a sharp decline in foreign direct investments and remittances, which are a critical source of external development finance and an important means for LLDCs sustainable recovery. In light of the geographical and structural vulnerabilities of the LLDCs the border restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the pandemic have affected the flow of essential goods and services, causing disruption of international trade and rising prices. We would like to stress the need for greater support of the development partners to the landlocked developing countries by promoting inclusive connectivity through quality, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, with a focus on affordable and equitable access to transport networks, and trade facilitation.

Mr. President,

Against the backdrop of the fragile global economic situation due to the impact of the pandemic and the rise of geopolitical tensions the middle income countries require special attention of the UN Development System and international financial institutions to address the complex challenges and strengthen national capacities for domestic resource mobilization and access to different external funding resources. The MICs face specific development needs, which necessitate a tailor-made approach and elaboration of a comprehensive set of criteria going beyond the GDP per capita, in particular when it comes to facilitation of their access to concessional financing. In this regard we support the mapping exercise to be conducted by the Secretariat in order to provide detailed overview of the current support available to middle-income countries within the United Nations.

We appreciate the Secretary-General’s recommendations contained in his report on “Our Common Agenda” to identify complementary measures to GDP and use vulnerability as a criteria to develop indicators, which determine access to concessional finance and support. To this end, we look forward to the work of the High-Level Expert Panel on elaboration of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index for the SIDS, which has the potential of becoming a tool to measure the diverse development needs of all the developing countries.

Mr. President,

The annual Financing Sustainable Development Report (FSDR) highlights the urgent need to address the financing gaps and rising debt risks. We take note of the Report’s recommendations to align financing policies and strategies with the Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs). We would like to commend the Joint SDG Fund for bringing together the UN development partners to support the development of the INFF for Armenia, which will contribute to the localization of the SDGs in the national policies and strategies and strengthening the financing architecture for effective policy implementation in three priority areas of climate change, food security and human capital.

Another key finding from the FSDR that requires urgent response is the affordable and universal access to the Internet and digital skills. Last year Armenia adopted its first Digital Strategy, which aims to accelerate transparent, fast and databased public governance, the digitalization of economy and promotion of digital skills. The Government of Armenia is working to develop and promote respective digital platforms and use of IT solutions to create а favorable environment for private sector, to contribute the advancement of competitiveness of Armenian goods and boost the export potential.

The progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires solidarity and joint efforts of the international community to address the diverse needs of people and countries in special situations, including those in conflict settings and humanitarian crises in an inclusive, holistic and human-rights based manner. We would like to underscore the crucial role of the UN Development System in reaching out to all those who were affected by and continue to bear the consequences of conflicts and attempts to disrupt the realization of their inalienable human rights, including the economic and social rights and the right to development.

In conclusion, we hope that the discussions during the Forum will inform and support formulation of a better response to the needs and priorities of the developing countries by mobilizing all relevant stakeholders and available resources to build back better and leave no one behind.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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