United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP got birth after the merging of the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, created in 1949, and the United Nations Special Fund, established in 1958. UNDP was established in 1965 by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Focus Areas

UNDP operates in 177 countries, working with nations on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. UNDP’s work is concentrated on four main focus areas:

• Poverty Reduction and Achievement of the MDGs
• Democratic Governance
• Crisis Prevention and Recovery
• Environment and Energy for Sustainable Development

UNDP provides expert advice, training, and grant support to developing countries, with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries. To accomplish the MDGs and encourage global development, UNDP focuses on poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS, democratic governance, energy and environment, social development, and crisis prevention and recovery. UNDP also encourages the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women in all of its programs.

Today 128 countries are receiving UNDP support for democratic governance, while 60 countries receiving election assistance from UNDP. 95% of UNDP’s partners consider the organization to be a “critical partner” in contributing to the MDGs. 103 countries receiving support from UNDP for anti-corruption efforts.

Position in UNGA

UNDP is an executive board within the United Nations General Assembly. The UNDP Administrator is the third highest ranking official of the United Nations after the United Nations Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General. UNDP is at the centre of the UN’s efforts to reduce global poverty. At the global level, UNDP chairs the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), which includes the UN’s key players in international development. UNDP is also helping to reinforce joint action on development in such forums as the Economic and Social Council, and the General Assembly of the United Nations. At the country level, UNDP plays two important roles, one as a partner for development work and the other as manager of the Resident Coordinator system.

UNDP coordinates the development activities of the United Nations.  It plays a key role in helping to reform the UN as part of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG). UNDP is also helping to reinforce joint action on development in such forums as the Economic and Social Council, and the General Assembly of the United Nations. UNDP’s support for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) makes it an important international organization.

UNDP Headquarters

Headquartered in New York City, the UNDP is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from member nations. The organization has country offices in 177 countries, where it works with local governments to meet development challenges and develop local capacity. Additionally, the UNDP works internationally to help countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Human Development Report

UNDP Human Development Report Office publishes an annual Human Development Report (since 1990) to measure and analyse developmental progress.  The annual Human Development Report is UNDP’s flagship independent publication.  Its editorial autonomy is guaranteed by a special resolution of the General Assembly (A/RES/57/264), which recognizes the Human Development Report as “an independent intellectual exercise” and “an important tool for raising awareness about human development around the world”.