We are diverse and inclusive

Careers

We are diverse and inclusive

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions.

With the commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and “leaving no one behind," UNDP shares the commitment to create an inclusive work environment that is welcoming to all, where everyone feels valued and can bring their full selves to work.

Diversity is part of UNDP's identity. Thus, strengthening an open, respectful, non-discriminatory, and inclusive work environment across the entire organization that reflects the societies we serve is a focus area of our People for 2030 Strategy.

The work we do

Our intersectional approach to DEI

We are a diverse workforce, and we continue to improve day by day. Here is what the numbers say: at UNDP, we have a workforce of over 20,000 people from 191 nationalities working in over 170 countries and territories.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2025 takes an intersectional approach to ensure our entire workforce can bring their full selves to work, in an inclusive workplace where diversity becomes the catalyst for innovation and sustainable development.

Our intersectional talent programmes provide UNDP with a diverse talent pool of outstanding professionals to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Examples of such programmes:

What makes us unique

We rely on the valuable insights and experience of our people. UNDP personnel can become part of specialized groups and networks committed to guide our organization in its journey towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, which is free from all forms of discrimination and empowers all our people to deliver on the organization’s mandate across all duty stations. These groups and networks include:

Staff Council – advocates for the rights, interests, and welfare of all UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS/UNWOMEN personnel worldwide.
People Champions – a talented group of colleagues who communicate People for 2030 initiatives, collaborate, contribute, and act as catalysts of change within their Country Offices.
U.N. Parents Group – an informal group of people working across duty stations and UN entities working to champion gender equality through better parenting policies.
UNDP’s Disability Inclusion Network – a hub for exchange and sharing of knowledge and practices that aim to advance the inclusion of persons with disabilities across who we are and all we do.
Anti-Racism & Decoloniality Network – advances efforts to fight racism and deconstruct colonial ideologies and power structures.
UN-GLOBE – advocates for the equality and non-discrimination of LGBTIQ+ personnel in the UN system and its peacekeeping operations.

UNDP is also looking to set up a DEI Committee to guide the integration of DEI principles into key aspects of UNDP’s work and, as such, steer and facilitate the implementation of the DEI Strategy. The DEI Committee will act as a general coordinating mechanism for the Organization on advancing the DEI agenda.

Read the ‘People Champion Spotlight: Edith Assani’ on our People for 2030 medium.