Dirt Poor

Why desertification matters, 
and what we are doing

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SDG Wheel

Destination 2030

Accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals

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Our
mission

UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress.

What we do

UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development. We support countries and communities as they work to eradicate poverty, implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We advocate for transformative change, and we connect countries to the resources they need to help people build a better life.

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man in front of solar panels

Structural transformation

Including green, inclusive and digital transitions: working with countries to effect change in systems and structures that shape a country’s sustainable development

woman

Leaving no one behind

A rights-based approach centred on empowerment, inclusion, equity, human agency and human development

construction workers

Building resilience

Strengthening countries and institutions to prevent, mitigate and respond to crisis, conflict, natural hazards, climate and social and economic shocks

baby with doctor

Poverty and inequality

Tackling inequality of opportunities by investing in the enhanced capabilities people need to move above the poverty line and keep moving forward

people talking

Governance

Helping countries address emerging complexities by “future-proofing” governance systems through anticipatory approaches and better management of risk

woman cleaning debris

Resilience

Supporting countries and communities in building resilience to diverse shocks and crises, including conflict, climate change, disasters and epidemics

woman planting

Environment

Putting nature and the environment at the heart of national economies and planning; helping governments protect, manage and value their natural assets

men working

Energy

Increasing energy access for those furthest behind and accelerating the transition to renewable energy

girls in school

Gender equality

Confronting the structural obstacles to gender equality and strengthening women’s economic empowerment and leadership

cellphone and walkie-talkie

Digitalization

Supporting countries to build inclusive, ethical and sustainable digital societies

Strategic innovation

Empowering governments and communities to enhance the performance of entire systems, making them adaptive and resilient

children holding SDG signs

Development financing

Partnering with governments and the private sector to align public and private capital flows with the SDGs and mobilize finance at scale

Directions of change
Signature solutions
Enablers

Trusted partnerships

Partnership is at the heart of everything UNDP does. We offer a nearly universal presence across the world. We are determined to mobilize the means to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, with a focus on the poorest and most vulnerable.

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Global
impact

Our work in sustainable development, governance and resilience building.

97

Countries

supported to generate jobs and livelihoods in the past two years

100

Million

people benefited from stronger policy and market conditions for sustainable energy

400

Million

registered voters supported to participate in elections in 2022 and 2023

$100

Billion

private capital aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals