Our mission, our goals, our mandate

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships abilities, and institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated on three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance, and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience

Mission and vision

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty and build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life.  

The UN Charter

The Charter of the United Nations was signed in San Francisco on 26 June 1945 at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization and came into force on 24 October 1945. Its purposes and principles are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations based on equal rights and self-determination, and achieve international cooperation in solving economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian challenges without distinction for race, sex, language, or religion.

History

The work of UNDP in the Kingdom of Eswatini dates back to 1971 with an initial focus on human and sustainable development, and later on Sustainable Human Development - i.e. expanding people's capacities, choices, and opportunities in ways that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. The first standard agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and UNDP was signed in 1977, and the first Representative was Mr. Hugh Gordon Greenidge.