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Study Guide: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Mission, History, and Operations

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Mission, History, and Operations Study Guide

UNDP: Mission, Goals, and Core Functions

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is mandated to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable economic growth, and advance human development globally.

Answer: True

Explanation: The core mission of the UNDP is indeed to assist nations in eliminating poverty, achieving sustainable economic growth, and fostering human development.

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The UNDP's principal areas of focus encompass environmental protection, ensuring energy access, and implementing public health initiatives.

Answer: False

Explanation: While environmental protection is a focus, the UNDP's five primary developmental challenges are poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and energy, and HIV/AIDS. Public health is often integrated but not listed as a standalone primary focus area in this context.

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What is the primary mission of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)?

Answer: To help countries eliminate poverty, achieve sustainable economic growth, and foster human development.

Explanation: The core mission of the UNDP is to assist nations in eliminating poverty, achieving sustainable economic growth, and fostering human development globally.

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Identify the area that is NOT among the five primary developmental challenges addressed by the UNDP.

Answer: Global health security

Explanation: The UNDP's five primary developmental challenges are poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and energy, and HIV/AIDS. Global health security is not listed as one of these core five.

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Historical Development and Founding of UNDP

The establishment of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was the result of a merger between the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund.

Answer: True

Explanation: The UNDP was officially founded in 1965 through the consolidation of the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund.

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The official founding year of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is 1949.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was officially established in 1965, not 1949.

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The consolidation of EPTA and the Special Fund into the UNDP aimed to streamline development assistance and mitigate redundant efforts.

Answer: True

Explanation: A primary objective of merging EPTA and the Special Fund was to consolidate development assistance initiatives and prevent overlapping functions.

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Established in 1949, the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) exclusively addressed the political development dimensions of less developed nations.

Answer: False

Explanation: EPTA, founded in 1949, focused on supporting both the economic and political development aspects of underdeveloped countries.

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The Special Fund was designed to furnish direct investment capital to developing nations, mirroring the objectives of the SUNFED initiative.

Answer: False

Explanation: While related to SUNFED, the Special Fund was intended to create pre-conditions for private investment rather than providing direct investment capital.

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The United States' support for the SUNFED concept stemmed from its conviction that the World Bank would ensure its effective management.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United States initially opposed SUNFED, preferring that development funding be managed under the World Bank's auspices due to concerns about potential Third World dominance.

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In 1962, the UN Economic and Social Council initiated discussions on merging UN technical assistance programs, citing perceived overlaps between EPTA and the Special Fund.

Answer: True

Explanation: The UN Economic and Social Council began considering the merger of technical assistance programs in 1962 due to the perceived similarity in the work of EPTA and the Special Fund.

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The formation of the UNDP was achieved through the merger of which two preceding organizations?

Answer: The Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund.

Explanation: The UNDP was established by merging the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund.

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In which year was the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially established?

Answer: 1965

Explanation: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was officially founded in 1965.

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What was the principal rationale behind the merger of EPTA and the Special Fund to establish the UNDP?

Answer: To consolidate efforts and avoid duplication in development assistance activities.

Explanation: The merger aimed to consolidate development assistance efforts and prevent overlapping activities between EPTA and the Special Fund.

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The Special Fund, a precursor to the UNDP, was designed to:

Answer: Focus solely on creating pre-conditions for private investment.

Explanation: The Special Fund was intended to create pre-conditions for private investment, differentiating it from the SUNFED concept which aimed for direct capital investment.

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What were the primary reasons for the United States' initial reservations regarding the SUNFED concept?

Answer: They were concerned about potential Third World dominance and preferred World Bank oversight.

Explanation: The US opposed SUNFED due to concerns about potential dominance by developing nations and a preference for oversight by the World Bank.

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Organizational Structure and Governance

The principal headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are situated in Geneva, Switzerland.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UNDP's headquarters are located in New York City, USA, not Geneva, Switzerland.

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The UNDP manages six Global Policy Centres, with locations including Seoul and Istanbul among them.

Answer: True

Explanation: The UNDP operates six Global Policy Centres, which include centers in Seoul and Istanbul, among other locations.

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Within the United Nations hierarchy, the UNDP Administrator possesses the rank of Secretary-General.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UNDP Administrator holds the rank of Under-Secretary-General, not Secretary-General.

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The selection of the UNDP Administrator is made directly by the UN member states through the General Assembly.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UNDP Administrator is appointed by the UN Secretary-General and confirmed by the General Assembly, not directly elected by member states.

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Paul G. Hoffman, the inaugural Administrator of the UNDP, had previously directed the administration of the Marshall Plan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Paul G. Hoffman, the first UNDP Administrator, had previously led the Economic Cooperation Administration, which managed the Marshall Plan.

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The introduction of the Human Development Report occurred during the tenure of William Henry Draper III as UNDP Administrator.

Answer: True

Explanation: William Henry Draper III's tenure as UNDP Administrator coincided with the introduction of the Human Development Report.

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Haoliang Xu currently serves as the permanent Administrator of the UNDP.

Answer: False

Explanation: Haoliang Xu is currently serving as the *acting* Administrator of the UNDP, not the permanent Administrator.

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Ahunna Eziakonwa holds the position of Head of the Regional Bureau for Africa within the UNDP.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ahunna Eziakonwa is indeed the Head of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the UNDP.

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The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) was established with the primary purpose of coordinating UN peacekeeping operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UNDG was created to enhance the effectiveness of UN development efforts at the country level, not to coordinate peacekeeping operations.

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The Chairmanship of the UNDG is held by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, with the UNDP Administrator serving as vice-chair.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Deputy Secretary-General of the UN chairs the UNDG, and the UNDP Administrator serves as its vice-chair.

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Resident Coordinators (RCs) are tasked with coordinating all UN system organizations engaged in operational development activities at the country level.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Resident Coordinator system is responsible for coordinating UN operational development activities in the field to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

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Where are the principal headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) situated?

Answer: New York City, USA

Explanation: The UNDP's headquarters are located in New York City, USA.

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Through which mechanism does the UNDP primarily exert its coordination role within the United Nations system?

Answer: Its position as vice-chair of the UN Development Group (UNDG).

Explanation: The UNDP's coordination role is primarily facilitated through its vice-chair position within the UN Development Group (UNDG) and its integrator function in the Resident Coordinator System.

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Who holds the chairmanship of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG)?

Answer: The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

Explanation: The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations chairs the UNDG.

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Who served as the inaugural Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)?

Answer: Paul G. Hoffman

Explanation: Paul G. Hoffman was the first Administrator of the UNDP.

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Funding, Budget, and Financial Transparency

The operational budget of the UNDP is derived exclusively from mandatory assessed contributions levied upon UN member states.

Answer: False

Explanation: UNDP funding comes primarily from voluntary contributions by UN member states, not mandatory assessed contributions.

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reported a budget of approximately US$6.7 million for the year 2022.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UNDP's budget in 2022 was significantly higher, amounting to approximately US$6,737.92 million.

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The data presented in the UNDP's funding tables originates from its submissions to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Answer: False

Explanation: UNDP funding data is sourced from its International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) publications, not reports to the IMF.

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During the years 2015 and 2016, the UNDP achieved a low ranking within the Aid Transparency Index.

Answer: False

Explanation: In fact, the UNDP ranked first in the Aid Transparency Index published by Publish What You Fund for both 2015 and 2016.

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From 2012 to 2016, the UNDP committed funding exceeding US$19 billion across its various operational sectors.

Answer: True

Explanation: The total committed funding by the UNDP across the listed sectors between 2012 and 2016 amounted to approximately US$19,799.6 million.

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Between 2012 and 2016, the sector of security system management and reform garnered the largest portion of the UNDP's committed funding.

Answer: True

Explanation: The sector designated as 'Security system management and reform' received the highest committed funding from the UNDP during the 2012-2016 period.

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Approximately 10% of the UNDP's budget is allocated to internal program evaluation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UNDP allocates a much smaller portion, approximately 0.2%, of its budget to internal program evaluation.

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From what sources does the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) primarily derive its funding?

Answer: Through voluntary contributions made by UN member states.

Explanation: The UNDP is funded predominantly through voluntary contributions from its member states, rather than mandatory assessments.

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What was the approximate budget of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the year 2022?

Answer: US$6,737.9 million

Explanation: In 2022, the UNDP reported a budget of approximately US$6,737.92 million.

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The UNDP's funding information tables are compiled from data published under which international initiative?

Answer: The International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI)

Explanation: The funding information tables are based on data published through the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI).

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What position did the UNDP achieve in the Aid Transparency Index, as published by Publish What You Fund, for the years 2015 and 2016?

Answer: Ranked 1st

Explanation: The UNDP ranked first in the Aid Transparency Index for both 2015 and 2016.

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Between 2012 and 2016, which sector received the largest allocation of committed funding from the UNDP?

Answer: Security system management and reform

Explanation: The sector of 'Security system management and reform' received the highest committed funding from the UNDP during the 2012-2016 period.

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What approximate percentage of its overall budget does the UNDP allocate to internal program evaluation?

Answer: 0.2%

Explanation: The UNDP allocates approximately 0.2% of its budget towards internal program evaluation.

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Key Programs, Initiatives, and Operational Areas

The UNDP facilitates democratic transitions by offering policy advice and technical assistance to nations undergoing such processes.

Answer: True

Explanation: Providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity building are key methods the UNDP employs to support democratic transitions.

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The International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) operates as an independent entity that occasionally partners with the UNDP.

Answer: False

Explanation: The IPC-IG is affiliated with the UNDP and works to expand developing countries' capabilities in development projects, rather than being entirely independent.

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The UNDP contributes to reducing the risks associated with conflicts and disasters through measures such as controlling small arms proliferation and fostering diplomatic engagement.

Answer: True

Explanation: Controlling small arms proliferation and promoting diplomacy are among the strategies the UNDP employs to mitigate risks of conflict and disaster.

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In the aftermath of the Taliban's assumption of power, the UNDP assumed responsibility for funding critical health services in Afghanistan, encompassing the remuneration of healthcare personnel.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the Taliban takeover, the UNDP played a crucial role in funding essential health services in Afghanistan, including salaries for healthcare professionals.

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The UNDP's environmental strategy prioritizes biodiversity conservation, the promotion of sustainable energy, and effective water governance.

Answer: True

Explanation: Key components of the UNDP's environmental strategy include biodiversity conservation, sustainable energy initiatives, and water governance.

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The Equator Prize is conferred annually by the UNDP's Equator Initiative office.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Equator Prize is awarded biennially (every two years), not annually, by the UNDP's Equator Initiative.

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The Multifunction Platforms (MFPs) deployed in Mali by the UNDP between 1996 and 1998 were primarily intended to supply internet connectivity to rural populations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The MFPs deployed in Mali provided energy for devices like water pumps and grain mills, not primarily internet access.

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The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), launched in 2012, aims to assist countries in formulating strategies for financing biodiversity conservation.

Answer: True

Explanation: BIOFIN was established in 2012 with the specific objective of helping countries develop and implement finance plans for biodiversity conservation.

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Within its mandate concerning HIV/AIDS, the UNDP is involved in convening The Global Commission on HIV and the Law.

Answer: True

Explanation: Convening The Global Commission on HIV and the Law is one of the key activities undertaken by the UNDP in its efforts to address HIV/AIDS.

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The Human Development Report, which features the Human Development Index (HDI), has been published annually by the UNDP since 1991.

Answer: True

Explanation: The UNDP has consistently published the Human Development Report, including the Human Development Index (HDI), on an annual basis since 1991.

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Established in 2014, the UNDP Innovation Facility received initial support from the Government of Denmark.

Answer: True

Explanation: The UNDP Innovation Facility was launched in 2014, with the Government of Denmark providing initial support.

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The UNDP Innovation Facility offers seed funding and technical assistance to explore novel approaches to development challenges across 170 countries.

Answer: True

Explanation: The facility's purpose is to provide seed funding and technical assistance for exploring new approaches to development challenges in approximately 170 countries.

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In what manner does the UNDP provide support for national democratic transitions?

Answer: By providing policy advice, technical assistance, and educating citizens.

Explanation: The UNDP supports democratic transitions through policy advice, technical assistance, capacity building, citizen education, and promoting dialogue.

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What is the functional relationship between the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) and the UNDP?

Answer: It is affiliated with the UNDP and helps expand developing countries' capabilities in development projects.

Explanation: The IPC-IG is affiliated with the UNDP and serves to enhance the capabilities of developing nations in implementing and evaluating development projects.

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Identify an action undertaken by the UNDP to mitigate the risks associated with armed conflicts or natural disasters.

Answer: Controlling the proliferation of small arms.

Explanation: Controlling the proliferation of small arms is one of the key actions the UNDP takes to reduce the risk of armed conflicts and disasters.

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What crucial role did the UNDP assume in Afghanistan subsequent to the Taliban's assumption of control?

Answer: It took over funding for essential health services, including healthcare worker salaries.

Explanation: Following the Taliban takeover, the UNDP assumed responsibility for funding essential health services in Afghanistan, including the salaries of healthcare professionals.

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Which specific domain is a central focus of the UNDP's environmental strategy?

Answer: Promoting sustainable land management and combating desertification

Explanation: The UNDP's environmental strategy includes a strong focus on sustainable land management and combating desertification.

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The Equator Prize, presented by the UNDP's Equator Initiative, acknowledges community endeavors related to:

Answer: Reducing poverty through biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

Explanation: The Equator Prize recognizes community efforts that reduce poverty through biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

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What was the principal function of the Multifunction Platforms (MFPs) deployed by the UNDP in Mali during the period 1996-1998?

Answer: To provide energy for devices like water pumps and grain mills.

Explanation: The MFPs deployed in Mali primarily served to provide energy for essential devices such as water pumps and grain mills.

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The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), established in 2012, was created with the objective of:

Answer: Developing and implementing finance plans for biodiversity safeguarding.

Explanation: BIOFIN's objective is to assist countries in developing and implementing finance plans for the safeguarding of biodiversity.

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Which of the following is cited as a significant program operating under the UNDP's 'Hub for Innovative Partnerships'?

Answer: The World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty

Explanation: The World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty is listed as a major program within the UNDP's 'Hub for Innovative Partnerships'.

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Since which year has the UNDP consistently published the Human Development Report on an annual basis?

Answer: 1991

Explanation: The UNDP has been publishing the Human Development Report annually since 1991.

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Evaluations, Controversies, and Accountability

A 2013 evaluation concluded that the UNDP's poverty reduction initiatives were highly effective, though they required enhanced methods for measuring impact.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2013 evaluation found that while UNDP effectively supported national poverty reduction efforts, there was a need for improved impact measurement.

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Documents released by Edward Snowden indicated that the NSA engaged in surveillance of UNICEF and the World Health Organization in December 2013.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Snowden's leaks revealed NSA surveillance of organizations like the UNDP and UNICEF, the provided source material does not explicitly mention the World Health Organization (WHO) as a target in December 2013.

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In 2016, Israel's Shin Bet security agency alleged that a UNDP employee utilized UNDP resources to assist the Israeli military.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Shin Bet alleged that a UNDP employee used UNDP resources to aid Hamas, not the Israeli military.

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Allegations concerning UNDP operations in North Korea included reports of counterfeit US dollars discovered within program safes.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reports emerged regarding UNDP operations in North Korea, including claims of counterfeit US dollars being found in program safes.

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In mid-2006, the UNDP suspended its disarmament programs in Uganda's Karamoja region due to human rights abuses perpetrated by the UNDP.

Answer: False

Explanation: The UNDP halted its disarmament programs in Uganda's Karamoja region in response to human rights abuses associated with parallel disarmament programs conducted by the Uganda People's Defence Force, not abuses by the UNDP itself.

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A 2017 evaluation of a UNDP GEF project in Russia concluded that there was no evidence of fund misappropriation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2017 evaluation found strong indicators of deliberate misappropriation of funds within the UNDP GEF Energy Efficiency Standards and Labels project in Russia.

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In March 2020, donor governments formally requested an independent review concerning the UNDP's management of the Russia project.

Answer: True

Explanation: Twelve donor governments sent a letter in March 2020 demanding an independent review of the UNDP's handling of the Russia project.

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The independent report titled 'Systems and Silos' determined that the UNDP managed the Russia project with efficiency.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Systems and Silos' report concluded that the UNDP did not manage the Russia project efficiently or effectively.

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In early 2021, the Netherlands suspended funding to the UNDP, citing concerns arising from the Russia project controversy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Netherlands withheld approximately 10 million euros in funding from the UNDP in early 2021 due to issues related to the Russia project controversy.

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The BBC documentary 'The Whistleblowers: Inside the UN' stated that John O'Brien received a promotion subsequent to his interview.

Answer: False

Explanation: The BBC documentary reported that John O'Brien was fired from the UNDP shortly after his interview, not promoted.

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According to a January 2024 report in The Guardian, the UNDP's stabilization fund in Iraq was entirely free from corruption allegations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Guardian reported in January 2024 that the UNDP's Iraq stabilization fund was found to be riddled with corruption, citing numerous allegation cases.

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As per a 2013 evaluation, what was a significant finding concerning the effectiveness of the UNDP's poverty reduction efforts?

Answer: The UNDP effectively supported national poverty reduction efforts but needed better impact measurement.

Explanation: The 2013 evaluation affirmed the effectiveness of UNDP's support for national poverty reduction efforts, while also highlighting the need for improved impact measurement.

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What conclusion did the independent 'Systems and Silos' report reach concerning the UNDP's management of the Russia project?

Answer: The UNDP did not manage the project either efficiently or effectively.

Explanation: The 'Systems and Silos' report concluded that the UNDP's management of the Russia project was neither efficient nor effective.

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In March 2020, what specific action did twelve donor governments demand regarding the UNDP GEF project in Russia?

Answer: They demanded an independent review of the UNDP's handling of the project.

Explanation: Twelve donor governments demanded an independent review of the UNDP's management of the Russia project in March 2020.

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As reported by The Guardian in January 2024, what was the condition of the UNDP's funding facility for stabilization in Iraq?

Answer: It was found to be riddled with corruption, with numerous allegation cases reported.

Explanation: The Guardian reported that the UNDP's Iraq stabilization fund was plagued by corruption, citing numerous allegations.

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