UNDP Programmes: Foundations for Strong and Equitable Societies

Supporting its UN coordination role, UNDP implements programmes mainly in four interrelated development areas where it has extensive expertise:

• Poverty reduction programmes emphasize equitable growth, inclusive globalization and the achievement of the MDGs.
• The HIV and AIDS practice aims to curb the epidemic through targeted actions in national poverty reduction strategies and increased services.
• Democratic governance programmes help strengthen governing institutions and increase civic participation.
• Crisis prevention and recovery programmes support risk reduction and aid in restoring the foundations of development.
• Environment and energy programmes help integrate natural resource issues into development strategies.

Across all of its activities, UNDP looks for ways to foster inclusion and reduce the disparities that hinder equitable development. UNDP’s respect for national priorities, and history of working closely with governments, civil society and other partners, gives it the credibility and know-how to nurture development strategies that are embedded in public acceptance and responsive to national needs. UNDP also helps countries enlarge national capacities for responsive governance and balanced economic management, and to maintain focus on the MDGs. These elements create the basic framework that countries require to jumpstart progress.

Partnerships generate resources and collective commitment to solving difficult challenges. Through its worldwide networks, UNDP connects countries—north and south alike—to comprehensive global knowledge and expertise. Drawing on these networks, UNDP offers the skills and flexibility to tailor programmes to specific development needs, from the LDCs to middle-income countries, often by facilitating exchanges between developing countries facing similar concerns.

As part of the UN reform process, UNDP is fine-tuning its activities globally and within countries to ensure that it does not duplicate the expertise offered by other parts of the UN system. UNDP support is focused on responding to country needs, including by directing requests to other parts of the system as appropriate.