Past Projects | United Nations Development Programme

Singapore Global Centre

Past Projects

Deep Tech and Innovations

Deep tech refers to the cutting-edge and often disruptive technologies that are built on profound scientific discoveries, engineering innovations, or advancements in research areas that have the potential to radically transform industries, economies, and lives. As we steer towards a sustainable future, deep tech emerges as a game-changer in addressing global challenges – from climate change and resource scarcity to financial inclusion.

Digital Sustainable Finance

Technology can help provide the foundations and catalysts for accelerating impact and delivering on the positive promises of digital transformation. This includes supporting and scaling innovations with sustainable financing mechanisms, particularly around digital payments and digital currencies, but also driving knowledge around key issues of financial inclusion through digital finance and fintech.

Smart Cities and Urbanisation

Urbanisation is one of the defining trends of this century and a key driver of development. There is a wide range of technologies and innovation which can enhance sustainable urban development but it can only be sustainable if citizens are equal partners in the equation. Highlighting the need for human-centricity as the driver of smarter cities, the Centre is providing technical and strategic guidance at the local and national levels, and shaping partnerships.

Data-Driven Innovations for Small Island Developing States

UNDP in partnership with the Singapore Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), is looking to collaborate with innovators via two ‘challenge statements’ aimed at leveraging innovative technologies and new ways of working and thinking to pave the way towards a resilient and sustainable future for SIDS communities.

Cultiv@te

Technology and innovation are increasingly playing an important role in addressing the complex development challenges surrounding agri-food systems globally—from poverty and inequality, climate change, biodiversity loss, and food loss and waste. However, the gains of technological innovation in the agri-food sector remain largely concentrated in the Global North. In 2019, we launched Cultiv@te—UNDP’s global innovation initiative for sustainable agriculture—with generous support from Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and with the realisation that meaningful transformation of agri-food systems will require developing countries having access to knowledge, technology, and resources to foster innovation locally.

Digital Solutions for COVID-19

Technology and innovation can play an important role in tackling COVID-19, accelerating how governments and societies respond to the pandemic. Recognising this, the UNDP Global Centre is compiling open-source tools to accelerate the digital response to COVID-19.

Digital Solutions for Development Bulletin

As a platform for knowledge and policy, the UNDP Global Centre Singapore is identifying and driving inclusive digital solutions for development. With this aim, our Digital Solutions for Development Bulletin highlights some of the successes and challenges brought about by rapid digital transformation and showcases how digital solutions are changing people’s lives on the ground.