UNDP's work is aligned with France's priorities for a more just and stable world:

Sustainable, effective response to crises

Faced with the proliferation of conflicts, we must invest immediately in resilience and development solutions in crisis contexts in order to reduce the duration of humanitarian needs and enable populations to recover with dignity. At the same time, investing in prevention is crucial: every dollar spent saves $25 in the long term. Thanks to its universal presence, UNDP is on the ground before, during, and after a crisis, supporting countries and communities in responding to fragilities and restoring basic services. 

In 2024, 50% of UNDP program expenditures were invested in countries considered fragile or in conflict. Our interventions include early recovery and stabilization programs, providing sustainable solutions for displaced persons, promoting the rule of law and security, respecting human rights, and reducing disaster risks.

Digital transition and artificial intelligence

In line with the innovation focus of French diplomacy, UNDP has supported more than 50 countries in their digital transformation and in harnessing the potential of AI to shape a prosperous and sustainable digital future for all. At the Paris Summit in February 2025, the UNDP promoted various solutions for inclusive and responsible AI for social good (notably through the integration of local languages—a project supported by France—and the promotion of inclusive economic opportunities through AI in developing countries).

Development financing: Continuation of the 4P agenda

In line with the recommendations of the 2023 Paris Summit for a New Global Financial Pact, UNDP plays a central role in countries in bringing together climate and development agendas. In particular, UNDP supports 86 countries in developing Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs). Since 2021, these frameworks have mobilized $16 billion in new financing and aligned an additional $32 billion in public and private funding with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Health

France is one of the main donors to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which in turn relies on the UNDP in more than 20 fragile countries and difficult operational contexts (e.g., Sudan). In 2024, UNDP support to governments and civil society in these countries saved 1.7 million people living with HIV, successfully treated 110,000 people with tuberculosis, and distributed 14.4 million mosquito nets to prevent malaria.

Gender Equality

As part of its feminist diplomacy, France supports, in particular, the UNDP's Gender and Crisis Facility, which accelerates the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. The UNDP works with countries and communities to:

• Strengthen women's leadership and participation in peacebuilding;
• Support women's economic empowerment and their role in post-crisis economic recovery.

Particular emphasis is also placed on integrating the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), as well as on women's participation in decisions related to climate action and the environment.

Climate, Biodiversity, and Oceans

In support of countries, UNDP is the UN agency with the largest portfolio of climate and environment projects in the field, with nearly $10 billion received from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) since 1991.  As part of its Ocean Promise initiative, UNDP plays a central role in international efforts and is actively contributing to preparations for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in Nice in June 2025. The UNDP supports more than 30 Small Island Developing States (SIDS), particularly in: 

• sustainable use of ocean resources (blue economy)
• support for the management of marine protected areas
• protection and resilience of coastal communities
• mobilization of innovative public and private financing (e.g., through the Global Coral Reef Trust). 

UNDP also implements innovative solutions to protect biodiversity and increase the incomes of coastal populations.

Electoral assistance and local governance

The UNDP helps countries strengthen their democratic processes by improving the capacity of institutions (ministries, parliaments, electoral bodies, local authorities) and promoting the rule of law. In 2023, the Delegation for Local Authorities of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the UNDP also formed a new partnership to connect the international solidarity efforts of decentralized cooperation actors (French municipalities, departments, and regions) with the UNDP's global multilateral network at the country level (e.g., Moldova, Armenia, Cambodia) on issues such as improving local governance and decentralization, sustainable cities, access to public services, and employability.

Mine clearance and energy security

In Ukraine, the mine action program receives financial support from France and 20 international partners. The UNDP has equipped 202 demining teams from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) and trained specialists in explosive ordnance disposal, ammunition disposal, and underwater demolition, enabling Ukraine to conduct its own operations while supporting the strategy of mobilizing innovative financing, including private funding. 3,900 km² of land have been demined, protecting lives and restoring access to agricultural and productive land. 

UNDP also supports a more reliable energy supply in Ukraine through the repair and modernization of essential energy infrastructure.

For more information 

Alexis Laffittan, Partnerships Manager, UNDP Geneva Representation Office: alexis.laffittan@undp.org