1.
History
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was officially established in 1965
through the merger of two pre-existing United Nations programs: the Expanded Programme of
Technical Assistance (EPTA), initiated in 1949, and the Special Fund, launched in 1958. The
formation of UNDP reflected the growing demand for a more streamlined and efficient
organization that could assist developing countries in addressing economic, social, and
infrastructural challenges.
The concept was rooted in the post-World War II era, during which the newly decolonized
nations required technical expertise, institutional support, and financial assistance to foster
national development. By creating a unified development agency, the United Nations aimed to
reduce duplication of efforts, maximize the impact of technical assistance, and provide a
centralized funding and coordinating mechanism for developmental projects across the globe.
2. Reason for Establishment
The primary reasons behind the establishment of UNDP were;
Consolidation of Efforts: Before 1965, various small UN bodies and programs were
working independently, often leading to inefficiency. UNDP was designed to unify
development assistance under one agency.
Support for Newly Independent Nations: The wave of decolonization during the 1950s
and 1960s created dozens of new states, many of which lacked the infrastructure,
expertise, and institutions needed for sustainable development. UNDP aimed to provide
technical and financial support to these nations.
Promotion of Human Development: Beyond economic growth, the UN sought to promote
human welfare, rights, and dignity worldwide, aligning with the broader UN Charter
principles.
Coordination of Global Development Goals: UNDP became essential in coordinating
efforts toward global development agendas, especially later initiatives like the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).
3. Main Goals
Today, the main objectives of UNDP are aligned with a broad vision of human development. Its
goals include:
Eradication of Poverty: Targeting both income poverty and multidimensional poverty
(which includes health, education, and living standards).
Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding: Supporting the creation of transparent,
inclusive, and accountable institutions; assisting in electoral processes; and promoting the
rule of law.
Crisis Prevention and Recovery: Helping countries prevent conflict and recover from
disasters and humanitarian crises.
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: Assisting nations to adapt to climate
change, conserve biodiversity, manage energy sustainably, and promote disaster
resilience.
Empowerment of Women and Gender Equality: UNDP actively works to dismantle
barriers to women’s full participation in society and supports projects that increase gender
parity.
Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): UNDP is a key partner in
helping countries achieve the 17 SDGs by 2030.
4. Successful Projects in Pakistan and Internationally
Successful Projects in Pakistan
COVID-19 Response:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, UNDP Pakistan provided critical support through.
Assisting the government in drafting emergency policies.
Supporting vulnerable communities through cash transfers.
Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers.
Helping with vaccine distribution logistics.
Youth Empowerment Programme:
UNDP’s “Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP)” has created thousands of employment
opportunities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh.
Rule of Law Programme:
Strengthening police reforms, judicial systems, and access to justice across Pakistan, particularly
in conflict-affected areas.
Sustainable Energy Projects:
Facilitating solar energy adoption in rural communities.
Successful International Projects
COVID-19 Global Response: UNDP supported more than 144 countries during the pandemic by
providing socio-economic recovery strategies, digital health solutions, and critical public health
supplies.
Human Development Reports (Global): Every year, UNDP publishes the Human Development
Report (HDR), which has become a leading tool in evaluating global progress based on human-
centric indicators, not just GDP.
Rebuilding after Natural Disasters:
Nepal Earthquake (2015): UNDP helped rebuild infrastructure and homes, and supported the
return to normalcy.
Haiti Earthquake (2010): Focused on restoring local governance, shelter, and livelihoods.
Climate Action Initiatives: Through projects like the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNDP
has helped nations combat biodiversity loss, climate change, and promote sustainable land
management.
5. Administrative System
UNDP’s internal governance structure includes:
Executive Board: The UNDP is governed by an Executive Board consisting of 36 member states,
elected on a rotational basis from five regional groups:
Africa
Asia and the Pacific
Eastern Europe
Latin America and the Caribbean
Western European and other groups
Fixed and Rotating Seats: Some regions have a fixed number of seats; for example, Africa
typically has 8, Asia and the Pacific have 7, etc.
Elections are held in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to determine
membership.
Headquarters: UNDP’s headquarters is located in New York City, USA.
6. Present Leadership and Representation
Global Administrator (Head of UNDP): As of 2024-2025, the UNDP Administrator is Achim
Steiner (Germany).
Pakistan Country Representative: The current Resident Representative for UNDP Pakistan is Dr.
Samuel Rizk (appointed in 2024).
Pakistan Office Location: UNDP Pakistan’s country office is located in Islamabad, in the Serena
Business Complex.
Global Offices: UNDP maintains a presence in about 170 countries and territories worldwide,
making it one of the largest UN field networks. Major regional hubs are located in:
Bangkok (Asia-Pacific Regional Hub)
Amman (Arab States Regional Hub)
Istanbul (Europe and CIS Regional Hub)
Addis Ababa (Africa Regional Hub)
Panama City (Latin America and Caribbean Hub)
Bibliography
1. United Nations Development Programme Official Website. https://www.undp.org
2. UNDP Pakistan Official Website. https://www.undp.org/pakistan
3. United Nations Charter (1945), UN Publications.
4. Human Development Reports (1990–2024), UNDP, https://hdr.undp.org
5. “The Story of UNDP” by Stephen Browne, United Nations Intellectual History Project.
6. UNDP COVID-19 Response Reports 2020-2022.
7. UNDP Executive Board Overview. https://executiveboard.undp.org
