UNDP in Myanmar

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been providing development assistance to the people of Myanmar since the 1950s. From 1993 to 2012, UNDP operated under a restricted mandate, implementing the Human Development Initiative program. This initiative aimed to provide direct support to communities and individuals, improving their lives and livelihoods. 

In 2013, UNDP began working through two country programs. Between 2018 and 2020, the focus shifted to directly supporting the government of Myanmar. 

Following the military takeover in 2021, UNDP shifted its strategy to focus on the most vulnerable populations by addressing their basic needs and supporting community recovery through the Community First Programme (CFP).

UNDP is implementing the CFP in 45 townships, covering the most vulnerable communities in 11 states and regions, including those in conflict-affected areas. 

We have a widespread presence, with four field offices covering 11 states and regions. We have offices in Mon state, the southeastern regions, and Bago, as well as Kachin and Shan states. Additionally, UNDP has a field office in Rakhine state and a sub-office in northern Rakhine. 

UNDP collaborates with a broad network of local civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), grassroots partners, and community leaders, many of which were established under the Human Development Initiative, which began in 1993. These networks remain active, allowing UNDP to quickly connect and deliver support, even amid the rapid changes in Myanmar’s political and social landscape. 

Our Objective

UNDP's primary objective in Myanmar is to enhance the resilience of the most vulnerable populations against future shocks—whether economic, health-related, conflict-driven, or climate-induced—while addressing their immediate needs. Our approach focuses on the promotion of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. 

The CPF aims to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable populations and to foster resilience against current and future challenges. Its interventions are guided by a human-rights-based approach that seeks to preserve the foundations for democratic participation and ensure respect for multi-stakeholder inclusion.