UN Development Programme Chief says Organization is 'Changing, Improving, Delivering'

June 4, 2019

Annual Report speaks to a "remarkable year" in spite of challenges

June 4 - New York City - the UN Development Programme today launched its annual report at a meeting of its Executive Board at UN Headquarters in New York City. 

Addressing Board Members, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner acknowledged that it was a difficult time for international affairs, but at the same time, there was a positive story. "People continue to rise out of poverty, and we continue to be inspired by stories of human ingenuity, good governance, and leadership from different sectors of society," he said. The report, he continued, reflected the voices of the people UNDP works with "every day". 

"They are the ‘Peoples’ of the UN Charter, and though the challenges we face are great, the Peoples are not hopeless or helpless. They have a plan: It is called Agenda 2030," he added. 

The report focuses on some of the key successes of the past year as UNDP supports some 170 countries and territories around the world as they work to reach their development priorities so that no one is left behind.  

The Administrator's full remarks are available here.

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 Board carries out this mandate by, among othe things, monitoring the performance of UNDP; approving programmes, including country programmes, as appropriate; and deciding on administrative and financial plans and budgets.

The Board is made up of representatives from 36 countries around the world who serve on a rotating basis. Any State member that is not a member of the Executive Board may attend Board meetings and participate in its deliberations without the right to vote.

Below, watch an animation of key findings, or download the full report here.

2018 was a remarkable year for UNDP. It was our first full year of implementing a new Strategic Plan—a plan built to help countries deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.