UNDP in the Philippines

UNDP has been working to ensure better lives for the Filipino people since 1965, and has been committed to helping the country achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as national development priorities as set out in the Philippine Development Plan and the UN Philippines Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development. 
 
The Standard Basic Assistance Agreement (SBAA), signed on 21 July 1977, provided an early framework for UNDPs work in the country as well as the ongoing legal basis for UNDPs operations in the Philippines.

Today, it continues to strengthen the country’s capacities at the national and local levels to promote democratic governance, sustainable management of natural resources, climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, and resilience and peacebuilding. In all its programmes, UNDP integrates human rights and gender equality, believing that everyone should have equal access to the benefits of development.

What do we want to accomplish?

UNDP’s Country Programme Document (2024 - 2028) is closely aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024-2028. The programme builds on the position of UNDP as a trusted partner in the Philippines. It supports the Government in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint for Ambisyon Natin 2040, the long-term vision for a strongly rooted, comfortable and secure life for all people.

The CPD 2024 – 2028 focuses on three key areas of intervention: 1.) human capital development, inclusion, and resilience building; 2.) sustainable economic development, innovation, and decent work; and 3.) climate action, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience. 

UNDP emphasizes human rights, gender equality, empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable populations, and innovation as fundamental, guiding principles throughout its work.

UNDP partners with many government agencies and development stakeholders throughout the Philippines. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) serves as UNDP’s government counterparts, while many other nation and local agencies act as implementing partners for its projects. UNDP also works with international partners, the private sector and civil society organizations for the implementation of UNDP’s programmes.