For the People and the Planet

UNDP and the European Union partnership

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From Brussels to the World: dialogue explores the future of democracy

Democracy is stronger when people have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their lives. On the International Democracy Day, UNDP and the City of Brussels - the European Capital of Democracy in 2027 — organised a high-level dialogue to explore the future of democracy, citizen engagement and how we can build stronger connections between people and institutions. “Strengthening democratic institutions is in UNDP’s DNA. It is a vital part of our work. But strong institutions also require strong democratic practices — creating more opportunities for citizens to participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect their lives,” said Camilla Brückner, Director of the UN/UNDP Office in Brussels. The conversation brought together voices from government, parliament, civil society, academia, youth movements and international organizations to exchange experiences and explore how democratic innovation can move from promising ideas to lasting practice.

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News

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Press Releases
The EU advances locally led development and recovery in Yemen through a €9 million agreement with UNDP

The Delegation of the EU to Yemen and UNDP in Yemen have signed a €9 million agreement to strengthen local governance and advance area-based development in Yemen…

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Officials seated at a conference table with flags and nameplates in a formal meeting.
Press Releases
More than 160 million people risk being trapped between crisis and recovery, UN Development Programme warns

UNDP launches new Crisis Action Agenda calling for development investment to help people recover faster and reduce vulnerability.

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Press Releases
European Commission, EIB and UNDP join forces to boost investment in communities hit by humanitarian crises

New agreement will help communities hit by conflicts, humanitarian crises and disasters move from emergency relief to lasting recovery and boost investment…

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News
From Brussels to the World: high-level dialogue explores the future of democracy

Dialogue explores how democratic innovation can strengthen the relationship between citizens and institutions

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Press Releases
UNDP and the European Union launch a new project to support debris management and nationally-led forensics capacities in the Gaza Strip

The 18-month project to support emergency debris removal across Gaza and improve dignified recovery and identification of human remains.

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Our mission

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in some 170 countries and territories, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges as they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

Located in the heart of Europe, the UNDP Office in Brussels supports and promotes the partnership with the European Union, one of our major partners in nearly 140 countries worldwide in areas such as crisis and fragility, governance, and climate.

Stories

Stories
Six countries, one goal: making public money work for people

A European Union–UNDP initiative is helping six Portuguese-speaking countries strengthen the way public funds are planned, spent and scrutinised – while creating…

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Stories
Empowering Somali youth to help prepare and recover from disasters

When youth are trusted, supported and equipped to lead, they can create solutions that build a safer future for all.

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Photograph of a harbor construction site with a blue crane lifting a load; ships in background.
Stories
Turning the tide: Building a resilient port for Burundi

The Port of Bujumbura is no longer being viewed simply as infrastructure to be repaired or expanded. It is being reimagined as a system that must function under…

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Blog
Why recovery should begin before disasters strike: rethinking resilience for a stronger future

When disasters strike, the world scrambles to respond: emergency services are deployed, aid begins to flow, and global attention briefly turns to the affected…

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Blog
‘Fund Resilience, Not Disasters’: The Risk-Informed Development Learning Journey in Ethiopia and Burundi

Today, no corner of the globe is immune from the devastating consequences of climate change-driven disasters. Our partnership with EU fosters risk-informed…

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EU - UNDP partnership at a glance

100+

countries

we have been working together

140

countries

have national climate plans

$2.7

billion

unlocked for nature, helping ensure that infrastructure initiatives protect the planet

86

countries

aligned their budgets and financing with the SDGs

120

public facilities

rehabilitated in Ukraine

80,000

women

empowered to lead small and medium businesses in Afghanistan

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