The Government of Switzerland recently contributed CHF 44,275,000 (equivalent to USD 50 million) in regular (core) resources to UNDP for 2024. This significant contribution from Switzerland is a testament to its unwavering support for UNDP's operations, especially at a time of increasing global needs. This timely contribution is part of the comprehensive 2022-2024 multi-year agreement between Switzerland and UNDP and underlines the Swiss commitment to the importance of multilateral cooperation.
To achieve its mandate, UNDP relies primarily on voluntary contributions from UN Member States. Unrestricted flexible financing from Switzerland and other donors enables UNDP to be on the ground in 170 countries and play a central role in supporting countries' efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP supports governments and communities to reduce poverty and accelerate efforts towards inclusive, green, and digital transitions.
Core funding allows UNDP to respond quickly and strategically when needed, especially in response to complex and protracted crises. In Ukraine, core funding has enabled UNDP to remain operational throughout the conflict and support the government's resilience and recovery efforts, delivering essential services to the most vulnerable through digital solutions. Additional Swiss-earmarked funding allowed UNDP to support the business continuity of Ukrainian small and medium enterprises impacted by the conflict. This full-spectrum response, made possible by Switzerland's support, has helped to reach nearly 21 million people in the past years. In Afghanistan, regular resources have also enabled UNDP to initiate a cash assistance programme that directly supports 75,000 women-owned enterprises, creating jobs and providing hope for over 900,000 people.
UNDP remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Switzerland to tackle global challenges, scaling up efforts to prevent conflict, strengthen democratic governance and the rule of law, fight climate change, create opportunities for women and youth, and attract additional investments for sustainable development, in line with the priorities of the Swiss International Cooperation Strategy.
The importance of the partnership was recently discussed between the UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner, and a delegation of the Swiss Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council, who visited New York in May, and during the June mission of the UNDP Administrator to Geneva. This Switzerland-UNDP partnership is crucial in our joint efforts towards sustainable development and humanitarian aid.
Core resources help strengthen UNDP's oversight and accountability functions, ensuring the organization can continue to deliver programmes effectively and efficiently while following the highest standards of transparency. UNDP is consistently rated among the most transparent international organizations.
