Where is the headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme located?

The headquarters of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is situated at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City.

How is the United Nations Development Programme funded?

The UNDP is funded entirely through voluntary contributions made by UN member states.

What was the organizational structure that merged to form the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was established through the merger of two existing entities: the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund.

When was the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially founded?

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was founded on November 22, 1965.

What was the primary rationale behind merging the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund to create the UNDP?

The primary rationale for merging the EPTA and the Special Fund was to avoid duplication in their activities and create a more unified approach to development assistance.

What was the Special Fund intended to do, and how did it relate to the SUNFED concept?

The Special Fund was intended to enlarge the scope of UN technical assistance. It arose from the idea of the Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development (SUNFED), but the SUNFED concept, which would have provided investment capital, was dropped in favor of the Special Fund, which focused on creating pre-conditions for private investment.

Why did the United States initially oppose the SUNFED concept?

The United States initially opposed the SUNFED concept because it was wary of the Third World dominating such funding and preferred that development funding be managed under the auspices of the World Bank.

What led the United Nations Economic and Social Council to consider merging UN technical assistance programs in 1962?

In 1962, the United Nations Economic and Social Council initiated consideration of merging UN technical assistance programs due to the perception that the EPTA and the Special Fund appeared to be conducting similar work, especially after the US proposed the International Development Association within the World Bank.

What was the UNDP's budget in US dollars for the year 2022?

In 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had a budget of US$6,737.92 million.

What is the source of the funding information table detailing UNDP's committed funding by sector?

The funding information table is based on UNDP's International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) publications, which record committed funding across various sectors.

How did the UNDP perform in the Aid Transparency Index published by Publish What You Fund in 2015 and 2016?

The UNDP ranked first in the Aid Transparency Index published by Publish What You Fund for both 2015 and 2016, achieving an excellent score of 93.3%.

What was the total committed funding by the UNDP across the listed sectors from 2012 to 2016?

The total committed funding by the UNDP across the listed sectors from 2012 to 2016 amounted to $19,799.6 million.

Which sector received the highest committed funding from the UNDP between 2012 and 2016?

The sector that received the highest committed funding from the UNDP between 2012 and 2016 was Security system management and reform, totaling $3,057.9 million.

What are the five primary developmental challenges that the UNDP focuses on?

The UNDP primarily focuses on five developmental challenges: democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and energy, and HIV/AIDS.

What is the role of the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) in relation to UNDP's poverty reduction efforts?

The International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG), affiliated with the UNDP, works to expand the capabilities of developing countries in designing, implementing, and evaluating socially inclusive development projects.

What did a 2013 evaluation find regarding the impact of UNDP's poverty reduction efforts?

A 2013 evaluation indicated that the UNDP had effectively supported national efforts to reduce poverty by assisting governments in implementing policy changes beneficial to the poor, while also noting a need for better measurement and monitoring of the impacts of its work.

What specific actions does the UNDP take to reduce the risk of armed conflicts or disasters?

The UNDP works to reduce the risk of armed conflicts and disasters through programs that control small arms proliferation, strategies to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and initiatives promoting diplomacy and violence prevention.

What role did the UNDP play in funding essential health services in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover?

Following the Taliban's takeover and the suspension of most foreign aid to Afghanistan, the UNDP assumed responsibility for funding a significant portion of the country's essential health services, including the salaries for over 25,000 healthcare professionals.

What are the key areas of focus within the UNDP's environmental strategy?

The UNDP's environmental strategy concentrates on effective water governance, ensuring access to water supply and sanitation, promoting sustainable energy services, implementing sustainable land management to combat desertification and land degradation, conserving biodiversity, and developing policies to control harmful pollutant emissions.

What is the Equator Prize, and who awards it?

The Equator Prize is awarded biennially by the UNDP's Equator Initiative office to recognize outstanding indigenous community efforts that reduce poverty through biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, thereby contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What were the Multifunction Platforms (MFPs) deployed in Mali between 1996 and 1998?

Between 1996 and 1998, the UNDP sponsored the deployment of Multifunction Platforms (MFPs) in rural Mali. These installations, powered by diesel engines, provided energy for devices such as water pumps, grain mills, and other appliances.

When was the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) established, and what is its objective?

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) was established in 2012 with the objective of bringing countries together to develop and implement finance plans aimed at safeguarding biodiversity.

What is the UNDP's role concerning HIV/AIDS prevention and impact reduction?

The UNDP assists countries in preventing the further spread of HIV/AIDS and reducing its impact, notably by convening The Global Commission on HIV and the Law.

What are some of the major programs listed under the UNDP's 'Hub for Innovative Partnerships'?

Some of the major programs listed under the UNDP's Hub for Innovative Partnerships include the ART Global Initiative, the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty, the Territorial Approach to Climate Change, and the Africa–Kazakhstan Partnership for the SDGs.

Since what year has the UNDP published the Human Development Report, and what key index does it include?

Since 1991, the UNDP has published the Human Development Report annually, which includes discussions on Human Development and the Human Development Index (HDI).

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

The UNDP allocates approximately 0.2% of its budget towards the internal evaluation of its programs' effectiveness.

How many Global Policy Centres does the UNDP operate, and can you name a few?

The UNDP operates six Global Policy Centres. These include the Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), the Nairobi Global Policy Centre on Resilient Ecosystems and Desertification (GPC-Nairobi), the Singapore-based Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD), the Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD), the Oslo Governance Centre, and the Singapore-based Global Centre for Public Service Excellence (GCPSE).

What coordination role does the UNDP play within the United Nations system?

The UNDP plays a crucial coordination role in the UN's development activities, primarily through its position as vice-chair of the UN Development Group and its integrator function within the Resident Coordinator System.

When was the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) created, and what was its primary objective?

The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) was established in 1997 by the Secretary-General with the objective of enhancing the effectiveness of UN development efforts at the country level.

Who chairs the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), and who serves as its vice-chair?

The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) is chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, with the Administrator of the UNDP serving as the vice-chair.

What is the function of the Resident Coordinator (RC) system within the UN?

The Resident Coordinator (RC) system coordinates all United Nations system organizations involved in operational development activities in the field, aiming to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these activities at the country level.

When was the UNDP Innovation Facility established, and who provided initial support?

The UNDP Innovation Facility was established in 2014 with support from the Government of Denmark.

What is the purpose of the UNDP Innovation Facility?

The Innovation Facility serves as a dedicated funding mechanism to nurture promising development interventions, offering technical assistance and seed funding to collaborators in 170 countries and territories to explore new approaches to complex development challenges.

What did documents released by Edward Snowden reveal about NSA surveillance targets in December 2013?

Documents released by Edward Snowden in December 2013 indicated that British and American intelligence agencies, including the United States National Security Agency (NSA), had targeted organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for surveillance.

What allegations did Israel's Shin Bet security agency make in August 2016 regarding a UNDP employee and Hamas?

In August 2016, Israel's Shin Bet security agency announced the arrest of a UNDP engineer, Wahid Abdallah al Bursh, who allegedly confessed to being recruited by Hamas in 2014. Shin Bet claimed Bursh used UNDP resources for Hamas and influenced the prioritization of reconstruction funds for neighborhoods with Hamas operatives.

What financial irregularities were alleged concerning UNDP's operations in North Korea?

Members of UNDP staff and the U.S. Bush administration criticized the organization for financial irregularities in North Korea, with one staff member, Artjon Shkurtaj, claiming to have found counterfeit US dollars in program safes despite staff being paid in euros. The UNDP denied these allegations.

In response to what human rights abuses did the UNDP halt its disarmament programs in Uganda's Karamoja region in mid-2006?

In mid-2006, the UNDP halted its disarmament programs in Uganda's Karamoja region in response to human rights abuses associated with the parallel forcible disarmament programs conducted by the Uganda People's Defence Force.

What did a 2017 final evaluation report on a UNDP GEF project in Russia find regarding fund misappropriation?

A 2017 final evaluation report on the UNDP GEF Energy Efficiency Standards and Labels project in Russia found strong indicators of deliberate misappropriation of funds, stating the project did not meet its goals.

What action did 12 donor governments take in March 2020 concerning the Russia UNDP GEF project scandal?

In March 2020, 12 donor governments sent a letter to UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, demanding an independent review of the UNDP's handling of the energy efficiency standards and labels project in Russia.

What did the independent report 'Systems and Silos' conclude about the UNDP's management of the Russia project?

The independent report 'Systems and Silos,' published in January 2021, concluded that the UNDP did not manage the Russia project 'either efficiently or effectively,' noting that a number of individuals were able to exploit weak governance and technical capacity systems.

What was the consequence for UNDP funding from the Netherlands in early 2021 due to the Russia controversy?

Due to concerns over the UNDP's handling of the Russia controversy, the government of the Netherlands withheld approximately 10 million euros in funding in early 2021.

What did the BBC documentary 'The Whistleblowers: Inside the UN' report regarding John O'Brien's case?

The BBC documentary 'The Whistleblowers: Inside the UN' reported on whistleblower cases within the UN system, including John O'Brien's case, and noted that O'Brien was fired from UNDP in March 2022 shortly after his interview for the documentary.

What did The Guardian report on January 22, 2024, regarding the UNDP's funding facility for stabilization in Iraq?

On January 22, 2024, The Guardian reported that the US$1.88 billion funding facility for stabilization in Iraq was riddled with corruption, citing 136 corruption allegation cases reported to the UNDP's Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI).

What rank does the UNDP Administrator hold within the United Nations system?

The UNDP Administrator holds the rank of an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Who was the first Administrator of the UNDP, and what was their prior role?

The first Administrator of the UNDP was Paul G. Hoffman, who previously served as the head of the Economic Cooperation Administration, the body that administered the Marshall Plan.

Which former UNDP Administrator oversaw the introduction of the Human Development Report during their tenure?

William Henry Draper III, a former UNDP Administrator, saw the introduction of the Human Development Report during his tenure.

Who is the current acting Administrator of the UNDP?

Haoliang Xu is currently serving as the acting Administrator of the UNDP, following the end of Achim Steiner's term.

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Overview

Global Development Network

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) functions as a crucial global network within the United Nations system. Its primary mandate is to assist nations in their efforts to eradicate poverty, achieve sustainable economic growth, and foster human development. The organization places significant emphasis on cultivating local capacities to ensure long-term self-sufficiency and prosperity.

Operational Reach

Headquartered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, the UNDP operates as the largest UN development aid agency. It maintains a substantial presence with offices established in 177 countries, enabling it to engage directly with national governments and communities across the globe.

Funding Model

The operational budget of the UNDP is entirely sustained through voluntary contributions from its member states. This financial structure underscores its reliance on international cooperation and commitment to shared development goals.

Core Mission

Eradicating Poverty

A fundamental objective of the UNDP is the global elimination of poverty. It achieves this by developing strategies that expand access to economic opportunities and essential resources, thereby linking poverty reduction programs with broader national development frameworks and policies.

Sustainable Growth

The UNDP champions sustainable economic growth by advocating for policy reforms, encouraging debt relief, and promoting foreign investment. A key focus is ensuring that the benefits of globalization are equitably distributed, particularly to the most vulnerable populations.

Human Development

Central to the UNDP's mission is the advancement of human development. This involves empowering individuals and communities, improving access to education and healthcare, and promoting democratic governance and gender equality, all contributing to a more inclusive and equitable global society.

Strategic Focus Areas

Democratic Governance

UNDP actively supports national democratic transitions by offering policy advice and technical assistance. This includes strengthening institutional and individual capacities, educating citizens on democratic reforms, and facilitating dialogue and the sharing of successful governance models.

Crisis Prevention & Recovery

The organization works to mitigate the risks of armed conflicts and natural disasters, and to promote early recovery efforts post-crisis. UNDP supports local governments in needs assessments, capacity building, coordinated planning, and policy development to enhance resilience and stability.

Environment & Energy

Addressing environmental degradation and ensuring access to clean energy and water are critical. UNDP focuses on effective water governance, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and policies to control pollution, aiming to improve developing countries' sustainable development trajectories.

HIV/AIDS Response

UNDP collaborates with countries to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and mitigate its impact. This includes convening bodies like the Global Commission on HIV and the Law to foster evidence-based policy and action.

Key Initiatives & Partnerships

International Policy Centre

The UNDP's International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG), based in Brazil, enhances the capacities of developing nations in designing, implementing, and evaluating inclusive development projects. It serves as a global forum for South-South policy dialogue and learning.

Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

Established in 2012, BIOFIN engages over 30 countries in developing finance plans to protect biodiversity. Its methodology helps countries analyze policy contexts, measure expenditures, and identify financial solutions to meet national biodiversity targets.

Innovation Facility

Launched in 2014, the Innovation Facility provides dedicated funding and technical assistance to explore novel approaches to complex development challenges. It supports innovation labs globally, aiming to enhance the delivery and monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Human Development Report

Since 1991, UNDP has published the annual Human Development Report, featuring critical analyses of global development trends and the Human Development Index (HDI). This report serves as a vital tool for understanding progress and challenges in human well-being worldwide.

Historical Context

Formation and Evolution

The UNDP was established on November 22, 1965, through the merger of the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund. This consolidation aimed to streamline UN technical assistance efforts and avoid duplication, consolidating resources to better serve developing nations.

Early Development Debates

The formation of UNDP was influenced by debates regarding the structure of UN development funding. While Nordic countries advocated for a UN-controlled fund, the United States initially preferred such initiatives to be managed under the World Bank. The eventual compromise led to the creation of the Special Fund, which focused on pre-investment conditions rather than direct capital provision.

Merging Efforts

Recognizing the overlapping activities of EPTA and the Special Fund, the UN Economic and Social Council requested a review in 1962. This led to the formal merger in 1966, creating the UNDP as a unified entity to coordinate and deliver technical assistance more effectively.

Financial Framework

Budgetary Overview

In 2022, the UNDP reported a budget of approximately US$6.74 billion. The organization's financial operations are transparently managed and reported through initiatives like the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI).

Top Funding Sectors

UNDP's funding commitments are distributed across various development sectors. Historically, significant allocations have been directed towards security system management and reform, STD control (including HIV/AIDS), public sector policy and administrative management, and decentralization efforts.

The following table illustrates UNDP's committed funding across key sectors from 2012 to 2016 (in millions of US dollars):

Sector	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	Sum
Security system management and reform	624.3	541.7	591.6	643.8	656.4	3,057.9
STD control including HIV/AIDS	415.9	421.4	412.1	465.2	483.5	2,198.1
Public sector policy and administrative management	216.3	299.3	372.2	456.9	462.9	1,807.7
Decentralisation and support to subnational government	256.7	327.5	302.7	338.4	505.8	1,731.1
Reconstruction relief and rehabilitation	249.0	282.5	338.1	376.5	422.0	1,668.2
Elections	157.8	267.8	330.3	279.0	149.8	1,184.7
Disaster prevention and preparedness	146.4	170.2	211.2	243.7	241.3	1,012.9
Energy policy and administrative management	113.3	157.0	198.9	212.3	316.2	997.6
General budget support	77.6	142.7	263.1	223.7	273.9	981.1
Social/ welfare services	108.7	149.4	155.4	219.4	195.2	828.1
Legal and judicial development	62.1	76.6	97.5	113.8	106.9	456.8
Environmental policy and administrative management	49.6	63.4	70.9	95.4	122.0	401.3
Power generation/renewable sources	42.8	44.4	60.3	101.0	125.2	373.7
Democratic participation and civil society	56.3	62.1	62.1	65.9	76.6	323.0
Human rights	28.1	45.5	52.4	88.5	56.2	270.8
Other	334.5	315.5	379.8	507.3	969.5	2,506.6
Total	2,939.5	3,367.1	3,898.5	4,430.9	5,163.6	19,799.6

Key Reports & Evaluations

Human Development Report

Since 1991, the UNDP has published the annual Human Development Report. This flagship publication provides comprehensive analysis of global development issues and includes the widely recognized Human Development Index (HDI), offering a composite measure of national achievement in key areas of human development.

Programmatic Evaluation

The UNDP dedicates approximately 0.2% of its budget to internal evaluations, conducted by its Evaluation Office. These assessments, often published as reports, examine the effectiveness and impact of UNDP's programs, providing critical insights for future strategy and operational improvements.

Organizational Structure

Leadership

The UNDP Administrator holds the rank of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. This position is appointed by the UN Secretary-General and confirmed by the General Assembly for a four-year term. The Administrator also serves as the vice-chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group.

Notable past Administrators include:

Paul G. Hoffman (USA)
F. Bradford Morse (USA)
William Henry Draper III (USA)
Mark Malloch Brown (UK)
Kemal Derviş (Turkey)
Helen Clark (New Zealand)
Achim Steiner (Brazil/Germany)

Haoliang Xu currently serves as the Acting Administrator.

Key Departments

UNDP's operational structure includes Assistant Administrators who head various bureaus and regional divisions. These include bureaus for Management Services, External Relations and Advocacy, Crisis, and regional bureaus for Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and CIS, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Controversies & Challenges

Surveillance Allegations

Documents revealed in 2013 indicated that intelligence agencies, including the NSA, had targeted organizations such as the UNDP. These allegations raised concerns about data security and the privacy of sensitive development information.

Financial Irregularities & Mismanagement

Reports have surfaced regarding alleged financial irregularities and mismanagement in certain UNDP projects, notably in Russia and Iraq. These cases have led to scrutiny from donor governments and calls for independent reviews and enhanced accountability mechanisms.

Whistleblower Protection

Concerns have been raised regarding the protection of whistleblowers within the UNDP system. Investigations and documentaries have highlighted instances where individuals reporting wrongdoing allegedly faced retaliation, prompting calls for stronger institutional safeguards.

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References

Consolidation of the Special Fund and the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance in a United Nations Development Programme GA Res 2029, XX (1965)

Stokke, O., 2009, The UN and Development: From Aid to Cooperation, Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, especially Chapter 3

Stokke, O., 2009, The UN and Development: From Aid to Cooperation, Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, p.82

Murphy, C.N. 2006, The United Nations Development Programme: A Better Way? Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.51â66

Jolly, R., Emmerij. L. And Ghai, D., 2004, UN Contributions to Development Thinking and Practice, Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press pp.73-84

behind a cloak of saintliness

A full list of references for this article are available at the United Nations Development Programme Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not represent the official views or current operational status of the United Nations Development Programme.

This is not official advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for professional consultation with the UNDP or other relevant development experts. Always refer to official UNDP documentation and seek advice from qualified professionals for specific inquiries or project needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.

Global Impact

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Overview ℹ️

🌐 Global Development Network

🏢 Operational Reach

💰 Funding Model

Core Mission 🎯

🤝 Eradicating Poverty

🌱 Sustainable Growth

💡 Human Development

Strategic Focus Areas 📈

🏛️ Democratic Governance

🛡️ Crisis Prevention & Recovery

🌳 Environment & Energy

❤️ HIV/AIDS Response

Key Initiatives & Partnerships 🚀

🌍 International Policy Centre

🌿 Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

💡 Innovation Facility

📊 Human Development Report

Historical Context 📜

📅 Formation and Evolution

⚖️ Early Development Debates

🔄 Merging Efforts

Financial Framework 💰

📊 Budgetary Overview

📈 Top Funding Sectors

Key Reports & Evaluations 📊

📄 Human Development Report

🔍 Programmatic Evaluation

Organizational Structure 🏢

👤 Leadership

👥 Key Departments

Controversies & Challenges ⚠️

🕵️ Surveillance Allegations

⚖️ Financial Irregularities & Mismanagement

📢 Whistleblower Protection

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Global Development Network

Operational Reach

Funding Model

Core Mission

Eradicating Poverty

Sustainable Growth

Human Development

Strategic Focus Areas

Democratic Governance

Crisis Prevention & Recovery

Environment & Energy

HIV/AIDS Response

Key Initiatives & Partnerships

International Policy Centre

Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

Innovation Facility

Human Development Report

Historical Context

Formation and Evolution

Early Development Debates

Merging Efforts

Financial Framework

Budgetary Overview

Top Funding Sectors

Key Reports & Evaluations

Human Development Report

Programmatic Evaluation

Organizational Structure

Leadership

Key Departments

Controversies & Challenges

Surveillance Allegations

Financial Irregularities & Mismanagement

Whistleblower Protection

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice