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 over 150 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 five corporate programmes on behalf of the GEF partnership. These are the Global Support Programme for NCSA, the National Communication Support Program, the Country Support Programme, the National Dialogue Initiative and the Small Grants Programme.

GEF-funded projects and activities are mainstreamed into the UNDP programme. As of February 2009, UNDP's GEF-funded projects amount to approximately US$ 8.74 billion (US$ 2.69 billion in GEF Grants and US$ 6.05 in co-financing) representing over 570 full and medium-size projects as well as more than 370 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 119 developing countries, is worth another US$738.7 million (US$ 410 million in GEF grants and US$328.7 million in co-financing).

UNDP-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.