New York, 02 February 2024:  “UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS have been navigating and responding to the multiple and  overlapping crises from the past few years, and their commitment to strengthen support, especially  for the most vulnerable and the people at risk, is reassuring.” said the President of the  UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith while chairing  the closing of the First Regular Session of the Board held at the United Nations Headquarters in  New York.  During the week-long session held from 29 January to 2 February 2024, the Board engaged  in interactive discussions on substantive, operational and management issues, including impacts of  the work of the UN agencies at the country level. The session addressed vital aspects pertinent to  the key oversight functions of the Board, encompassing the evaluation of policies, scrutiny of  auditors' reports, and other pertinent governance issues.  

During the session the heads of these three key UN agencies - Mr. Achim Steiner, UNDP  Administrator, Ms. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, Mr. Jorge Moreira da Silva,  UNOPS Executive Director exchanged dialogue with the members of the Board. They all shared  their strong commitment to remain on the ground and continue delivering for the people,  irrespective of the complex economic, political and security challenges.  Ambassador Muhith, expressed his commitment to support the work of these three UN  agencies through technical and strategic guidance and remain engaged with members of the Board  ensure that the work of the UN produces the most effective results for the people.Apart from  chairing the Executive Board sessions, Ambassador Muhith held meetings and interactions with the  agency heads at the bilateral and regional setup.  

Earlier on 10 January 2024, Ambassador Muhith assumed the responsibilities of the  UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board as the President. He is the first Bangladeshi Ambassador  to be elected as the President of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board. Earlier he served as  the vice president of the same Board and the President of the UN Women Executive Board.