On the margins of the high-level week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Luxembourg renewed their commitment to multilateralism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by signing a Strategic Partnership Framework for 2026-2029.

The new partnership agreement for a total contribution of EUR 25.4 million (US$29.81 million) includes EUR 16.6 million (US$19.48 million) for UNDP’s core resources, and EUR 8.8 million (US$10.33 million) for flexible funding to support programmes on poverty and inequality, as well as on governance, peacebuilding, crisis response, and resilience. 

UNDP joined three other United Nations Agencies – UNFPA, UN Women, and UNICEF – at a signing ceremony at the Permanent Mission of Luxembourg to the UN, which renewed their multi-year strategic partnership frameworks with Luxembourg. Nearly EUR 100 million (US$117.39 million) in core and flexible funding has been committed by Luxembourg to the four UN Agencies. The new partnership frameworks underscore Luxembourg’s steadfast commitment to multilateral cooperation and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, at a time when solutions to global challenges are needed more than ever.

The ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of Luxembourg, and the Executive Directors of respective UN Agencies, including UNDP’s Acting Administrator, Mr. Haoliang Xu.

UNDP’s partnership with Luxembourg delivers lasting results where they are needed most. By supporting countries on their development pathways, including Least Developed Countries, we tackle complex challenges from crisis to climate change and inequality, building a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Whether through mine action in Ukraine and Laos, innovating social protection in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting local development in Cabo Verde, or supporting peace processes in Ethiopia, Luxembourg’s partnership with UNDP is a powerful example of how values-driven cooperation can deliver transformative impact.

As one of UNDP’s top 20 core donors, and the 4th largest contributor per capita by its population, Luxembourg plays a vital role in enabling UNDP to reach those furthest behind, making faster progress towards the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.

This contribution will bolster UNDP’s efforts in addressing urgent global challenges, including climate action, inequalities, and fostering inclusive governance systems. As crises continue to disrupt lives worldwide, flexible ‘core’ funding enables UNDP to respond swiftly, protect development gains, and build resilience in fragile contexts. UNDP’s support to those in some of the hardest-hit areas, whether in Ukraine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Haiti, and beyond – is made possible thanks to flexible ‘core’ funding.

UNDP looks forward to continuing the close collaboration with Luxembourg and our shared mission for a more equitable and prosperous world, where no one is left behind.

For more information about UNDP’s partners please visit: https://www.undp.org/our-partners  

About UNDP’s Core Resources: 

UNDP relies on contributions from UN Member States, multilateral organizations, NGOs, corporations, financing institutions, and philanthropic groups. Regular “core” resources are the most flexible type of funding that UNDP receives. They allow for long-term development strategies, rapid crisis response, and addressing emerging challenges by filling resource gaps in underfunded areas, helping deliver impact where and when it is needed most. Core contributions play a crucial role in strengthening UNDP’s oversight and accountability functions. They ensure that programmes are delivered effectively, efficiently, and transparently. UNDP consistently receives recognition as one of the most transparent international organizations.