The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as the UN’s lead agency on development, works in 170 countries and territories to expand people’s choices for a fairer, sustainable future, to build the world envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with planet and people in balance.

UNDP’s work, adapted to a range of country contexts, is framed through three broad directions of change. Development challenges often coexist requiring tailored solutions that can adequately address specific deficits and barriers. Underpinning all three development challenges is a set of core development needs, including the need to strengthen gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and to ensure protection of human rights.

UNDP in Sri Lanka

UNDP has been present in Sri Lanka for over 55 years, supporting the nation to achieve sustainable human development on economic, social and environmental informed by the Country Programme (2023-2027). UNDP collaborates closely with the Government, civil society, the private sector and communities to collectively understand development needs, priorities and responses to address gaps in meeting the SDGs. Given COVID-19 impacts and the ongoing socio-economic situation in the country, sustainable recovery from its multi-dimensional impacts and long-term human development is a top priority of UNDP’s support to Sri Lanka.