24 September 2012 – The seventh annual Partnership Report, “Saving and Improving Lives: Partnership between the United Nations and the European Union in 2011“, was launched today in New York.
The Report conveys results of a vibrant partnership between the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) in 2011, spanning over 110 countries across the globe. An independent evaluation underlined that by working together, the EU and the UN were able to achieve more than each could working alone.
In 2011, EU Member States provided 40% of the funding for UN peacekeeping operations and 38% of the UN’s regular budget, as well as about one half of all UN Member State contributions to UN funds and programmes. The organisations worked together in the fields of peace and security, human rights and development.
The UN, in partnership with the EU, helped empower people to advance and defend their rights. With their support, countries advanced their human rights laws and mechanisms, and strengthened their human rights systems.
Together they saved lives and helped countries to recover from crises, and in the long-term to build resilience, sustainability and peace. With the EU’s support, the UN responded to crisis and humanitarian situations in over 50 countries. In addition, the EU supported UN assistance and protection for 9.4 million refugees and 1.36 million internally displaced persons.
The UN-EU partnership tackled hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity. Due to a quick response to emergencies, some 20 million people in over 30 countries received emergency food assistance and appropriate nutrients in 2011.
The organisations worked together to ensure quality basic education in underserved areas and supported countries to strengthen their education systems. As a result of their partnership in 2011, populations in over 30 countries had access to improved and strengthened health care systems.
Furthermore, they promoted social and economic development through decent work by stimulating job creation, social dialogue and by helping countries unlock economic opportunities. They also encouraged a more sustainable development and supported countries to fight climate change and to develop alternative energies.
Last but not least, they helped build democratic governance and progressive societies by promoting citizen participation, parliamentary development, accountability and effectiveness.
These are only some of the success stories of the UN-EU partnership in 2011. For more information, pictures and concrete examples, please consult the new Report. For past reports, please click here.
