I am delighted that the United Nations has decided to appoint Achim Steiner to head the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Given all his experience, his passion for development and his great commitment, Achim Steiner is just the right person to head the UNDP. He proved this in earlier roles within the United Nations system, especially as long‑standing head of the United Nations Environment Programme.

During the last few years, UNDP has done much for international development cooperation. However, major challenges lie ahead, in particular the implementation of Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals. Only if we work together can we master the immense task of improving the quality of life for millions of people around the world, something for which the acronym UNDP stands. Germany will do everything in its power to support it.