New York, 23 September – The Government of the Netherlands pledged more than €309 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Department for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs to advance rule of law, prevent conflict and build sustainable peace. In a strong show of support for multilateral action and universal values, the statement of intent was signed in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. 

“We must invest in the UN to prevent conflicts and save lives – with reliable partners and predictable funding. For The Netherlands, the UN’s work on peacebuilding and rule of law is crucial. A strong rule of law is the foundation for building and sustaining peace and prosperity. With this pledge, you have my full commitment and the commitment of my country” said Mr. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Kingdom of the Netherlands. 

Led by the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN, the signing ceremony and the high-level discussion that followed concluded with three powerful messages. First, international cooperation and investment in the UN remains a vital force for progress. Second, democratic resilience, inclusive governance and the rule of law are critical for sustainable peace and development. Third, predictable multi-year funding is a strategic requirement for success. 

“Peacebuilding and development both begin and hold when people’s rights are protected and they can trust the institutions that serve them. With this important support from the Government of the Netherlands, we will advance inclusive governance, strengthen institutions and contribute to lasting peace,” said Alexander De Croo, UNDP Administrator. “This agreement also gives us something essential: time. Justice systems and public trust cannot be rebuilt within a twelve-month project. Predictable, multi-year funding allows us to stay the course, build lasting partnerships and prevent crises from deepening.”

Delivered through UNDP's Global Programme on Rule of Law, Human Rights and Justice for Peace, Security and Development, the new five-year investment of €158 million from the Netherlands in UNDP will strengthen the rule of law, human rights, justice and security across 16 countries and territories in Africa and the Middle East. With local solutions at the heart of these efforts, the Global Programme will help build lasting peace and accelerate development. 

In support of the United Nations Peace and Security Pillar, the Government of the Netherlands pledged €151 million. These resources will support the Joint UNDP-DPPA Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention, the Peacebuilding Fund, as well as DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal. 

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Netherlands for its generous pledge in support of the United Nations’ work on peace and security. This contribution comes at a critical moment. In this environment, flexible and predictable support from partners such as the Netherlands is essential. It allows us to act early, before tensions become crises, and to invest in the longer-term work of peacebuilding and sustaining peace,” said Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

Together, these multi-year investments reaffirm the shared commitment of the Netherlands, UNDP, DPPA and the wider UN system to advancing peace, justice and inclusive governance. By strengthening democratic institutions, upholding human rights, supporting the rule of law and investing in prevention, they help address the root causes of conflict and build the foundations for sustainable peace and security, demonstrating the enduring value of long-term multilateral action.