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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – Functions, Governance & History

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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

  • As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality.
  • It helps countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 
  • Its work is centred around six core development areas, known as our signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality.
  • The UNDP is an executive board within the United Nations General Assembly.
  • UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development
  • UNDP has its headquarters in New York City

History

  • UNDP is based on the merging of the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, created in 1949, and the United Nations Special Fund, established in 1958. 
  • UNDP, as we know it now, was established in 1965 by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Mission & Vision

  • Mandate: End poverty, reduce inequality, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions.
  • Helps countries develop policies, leadership skills, institutional capacity, and partnerships to achieve the SDGs.
  • Advocates for change and innovation, connecting countries with knowledge and resources.

Governance

Executive Board

  • The Executive Board provides inter-governmental support to and supervision of UNDP activities, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of programme countries.
  • The Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS is made up of representatives from 36 countries around the world who serve on a rotating basis. 
  • India a member(2025-2027)
  • Through its Bureau, consisting of representatives from five regional groups, the Board oversees and supports the activities of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, ensuring that the organizations remain responsive to the evolving needs of programme countries.

The Bureau of the Executive Board

  • The primary functions of the Bureau include preparation and organization of Board meetings, facilitation of transparent decision-making, and promotion of dialogue, including during informal consultations and briefings.

UNDP Administrator

  • The appointment of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator follows a process where the Secretary-General first nominates a candidate after consulting with Member States, and then the UN General Assembly confirms the appointment.
  • The UNDP Administrator is the third highest-ranking member of the United Nations after the United Nations Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General.

FAQs

Q1. What is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)?

UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Q2. When was UNDP established?

UNDP was created in 1965 through the merger of the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (1949) and the United Nations Special Fund (1958).

Q3. Where is the headquarters of UNDP located?

The headquarters of UNDP is in New York City, USA.

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