New York City – The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through a significant contribution of USD 2,000,000 in core (regular) resources for 2026. 

This renewed partnership comes at a moment when flexible funding is essential to enable UNDP to respond to complex and evolving development challenges around the world. As an increasingly influential provider of development and humanitarian assistance, Saudi Arabia continues to play a leading role in shaping sustainable development efforts and international cooperation.

UNDP and Saudi Arabia have a long-standing partnership spanning country- level engagement, regional cooperation, and global development efforts. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and addressing development challenges.  It has increasingly focused on key areas such as water resource management and climate resilience, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges, and strengthening sustainability outcomes.

Collaboration also spans crisis and fragility contexts, supporting integrated approaches that bridge humanitarian response, early recovery, and long-term development. In addition, the partnership advances innovative financing approaches, including efforts to mobilize and scale development finance for greater impact. It also reflects a shared commitment to strengthening South-South Triangular Cooperation and fostering the exchange of development experience across countries in the Global South, and is further strengthened by Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global convenor and host of multilateral platforms that support international development cooperation.

Core contributions from partners like Saudi Arabia enable UNDP to deliver integrated development solutions where they are needed most. This flexible funding supports critical work across a wide range of contexts, allowing UNDP to respond rapidly to emerging crises, strengthen national capacities, and invest in innovative and forward-looking solutions that advance sustainable development outcomes.

Core contributions also play a crucial role in strengthening UNDP’s oversight and accountability functions. They ensure that programmes are delivered effectively, efficiently, and transparently. UNDP is consistently ranked among the most transparent international organizations.

UNDP looks forward to continuing to strengthen its partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, building on shared commitments to sustainable development and global cooperation.

For more information: https://www.undp.org/publications/core-resources