Attributable to ‘a UNDP Spokesperson’

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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact around the world. Beyond the tragic and devastating loss of life, the economic consequences are profoundly challenging for all countries, rich and poor. Public resources and budgets are under extraordinary stress.  

At the same time, the United Kingdom’s announcement this week of deep and far reaching cuts in its development funding comes at a point when many poorer countries are facing the impossible challenge of containing the virus while facing limited - or no - access to vaccines, and confronting a generational development emergency due to the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic on their citizens.

In this context, these cuts will have a significant and lasting effect across the world. Development funding represents a critical lifeline to hundreds of millions of vulnerable people, and at this moment in time is more important than it ever has been. 

No single country on its own can reverse the unfolding tragedy. But wealthier nations acting in unison can mobilize vital resources on a scale that will make a difference. The world is at a critical stage in terms of containing the spread of the virus and preventing tens of millions of people from falling into extreme poverty and destitution. 

For our organization alone, these cuts mean we will lose the ability to help millions of the poorest and most vulnerable. The funds lost could have helped 1.2 million people to have better access to basic services; 350,000 people in crisis-affected countries to get a job or better livelihood; 280,000 people to gain access to justice; and 23 million hectares of land and marine habitats be protected, improved or restored.

Since the United Nations’ inception, the United Kingdom has been a dedicated advocate and leader on rights for the world's poor and most vulnerable, a global leader in multilateral engagement, and a steadfast supporter of development as a pathway to a safe, sustainable and equitable world for everyone.

As the President of both the G7 and COP26 climate negotiations, the United Kingdom has a unique opportunity to drive action on climate change and galvanize the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient recovery. 

Agenda 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement remain a collective ‘compass’ for the international community to reset and rebuild better as we tackle both the pandemic and climate change, poverty and inequality.

We urge our partners and the international community to remain committed to the principles of multilateralism and leaving no one behind even in these most challenging times.

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Media contact:

Dylan Lowthian - dylan.lowthian@undp.org