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 is on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP supports the development of projects in the areas covered by the GEF, and also manages two corporate programmes on behalf of the GEF partnership. These are the Small Grants Programme (which has a portfolio of over 5,000 community-based projects) and the GEF National Consultative Dialogue Initiative, which strengthens country ownership and involvement in GEF activities through multiple stakeholder dialogue.

GEF-funded projects and activities are mainstreamed into the UNDP programme. As of February 2008, UNDP's GEF-funded projects amount to approximately US$ 7.47 billion (US$ 2.04 billion in GEF Grants and US$ 5.43 in co-financing) representing over 560 full and medium-sized projects as well as more than 530 enabling activities. The Small Grants Programme, which supports small-scale activities in GEF focal areas and the generation of sustainable livelihoods by non-governmental and community-based organizations in more than 100 developing countries, is worth another US$479.7 million (US$ 402 million in GEF grants and US$77.7 million in co-financing)

NDP-implemented projects and programmes are primarily managed by the organization's extensive network of over 130 country offices, with the central UNDP GEF environment team providing technical guidance and support.