shephm25 — 2024-09-16 17:36:13 UTC

United Nations Archives, Fonds AG-007 - United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) (1992-1993), S-0798-0013-02, Statement of William H. Draper III, 6/9/1993

shephm25 — 2024-09-19 13:00:45 UTC

On June 9, 1993, the United Nations Development Programme administrator, William H. Draper III, presented at the 40th Governing Council. He begins his speech grimly; Draper discusses an extreme budget increase in peacekeeping and a decrease in voluntary contribution from the UNDP, UNICEF, and UNFPA from 1991 to 1993. Despite stating these statistics, his address embarks on a positive approach. He emphasizes to the Governing Council’s members the powers the UNDP holds when assisting developing countries. According to Draper, the UNDP establishes a country’s presence, administers peace, and enforces sustainable development, cooperation, and efficiency. To end his speech, Draper reminds the members that there is always a way to strengthen a community and that nations “must seek change, not for the sake of change, but because we truly believe we can make things better” (8). I chose this document because it highlights the reality of the UNDP and the United Nations' mission to provide peace and economic development for underdeveloped nations. Although Cambodia is implicitly mentioned through context, the country is one of the many examples of a global humanitarian struggle. Draper felt that UNDP members did not feel a genuine incentive to seek change, inhibiting economic and social development. Nevertheless, he instills a motivation to catalyze change for the newest generation.

HISTORY PADLET by Madison Shepherd