Locations
UNDP
About us
Our mission, our goals, our mandate
As the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to help people build better lives while protecting the planet. For 60 years, we’ve supported countries to make progress on the issues that matter most to their people.
Our work is built on trust and long-term partnerships with governments, communities and organizations at every level.
What we do
We focus on four connected areas: creating prosperity for everyone, strengthening how countries are governed, building crisis resilience, and ensuring a healthy planet. We accelerate progress in these areas through digital technology and AI, advancing women’s rights and equality, and mobilizing sustainable finance. Everything we do is grounded in human rights and a commitment to reach those left furthest behind.
UNDP brings partners together across the UN and beyond. We stay and work in the world’s toughest places, connecting relief efforts with long-term development. We help countries fight poverty, support fair elections, tackle climate change and expand digital access by tapping into knowledge, resources and practical solutions that improve people's lives.
History
The Charter of the United Nations came into force in 1945. UNDP was established in 1965 by the UN General Assembly, building on the merger of two earlier UN programs for technical assistance and development funding.