JIU Chairperson participates in the WHO Executive Board’s 42nd PBAC and the 38th session of WIPO’s Program and Budget Committee

At the 42nd meeting of WHO’s Programme, Budget and Administration Committee on 15 May, JIU Chairperson Carolina Fernandez Opazo addressed the Committee and commended WHO’s strong track record in implementing oversight recommendations.

On 19 May, the JIU Chair addressed the 38th session of the WIPO’s Program and Budget Committee.

In her statements to each of the Committees she outlined JIU’s 2024 achievements, which included six oversight products, and previewed the Unit’s 2025 programme of work comprising topics such as strategic planning, recruitment, and data governance.

Fernandez Opazo also warned about the impact of reduced budgets on independent oversight bodies themselves, saying that “In times of financial austerity, the need for robust and effective oversight mechanisms becomes even more critical” and emphasizing the role that independent oversight plays in maintaining public trust.

She stressed that accountability, transparency, and internal control are vital to ensuring resources are used wisely and public trust in institutions remains strong. Looking ahead, she urged the Organizations to respond to the call for proposals for the Unit’s 2026 programme of work and to include topics that align with the goals of the UN80 Initiative. She closed by thanking the secretariats of both organizations and the members of the respective Committees for their continued support in strengthening multilateral governance.