Supporting the UN development system

UNDP is part of the UN development system (UNDS) and works with UN Resident Coordinators, and as a part of UN Country Teams, to support countries achieve the 2030 Agenda. UNDP has a specific role in assisting the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Teams to facilitate more integrated analyses, planning and implementation – to deliver a multidimensional approach to the SDGs.

Ensuring an integrated offer to countries 

The front cover of UNCDF Guidance Document - Multi-coloured horizontal lines and a blue title on a white circular background

UNDP’s integrator role involves supporting UN Country Teams to develop Cooperation Frameworks that reflect a multidimensional approach to development. This includes ensuring that the analysis of a country’s development challenges, and the theory of change which underpins the UN’s priorities, consider the relationship between sectors to achieve the SDGs. 

Collaborating with the UN Family on MAPS integrated country support  

The front cover of a MAPS report - an outline of a wolrd map using white dots on a blue background
UNDP helps countries deliver on their SDG ambitions, for example through the 2030 Agenda Mainstreaming, Acceleration and Policy Support (MAPS) approach. Drawing on the full capacity of the UN development system, MAPS helps countries to integrate SDG awareness raising, analysis, planning and budgeting into national and local systems. Since 2016, UNDP has supported 51 countries through MAPS engagements, spanning all regions and country contexts, including 20 fragile and conflict affected settings and 13 Small Island Developing States.  

sdg primer

The SDG wheel with all 17 SDG colours represented
Integrated solutions require a common understanding of sustainable development. That is why UNDP co-led the development of the SDG Primer, an e-course for the UN and its partners that brings all stakeholders onto the same page for joint action. The SDG Primer is a critical new tool to help us shift from business as usual to accelerated progress and impact.  
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Providing operational services to fellow UN entities 

A woman sitting at a laptop computer talking on her phone

As the operational backbone of the UNDS, UNDP also offers services to fellow UN entities in human resources, finance, procurement, ICT, legal affairs, security and other administrative areas. This enables the UN and partners to operate effectively and cost-efficiently in complex operational settings across the globe.