Reimagining the Future of Development

Featured

water,air,glass
Publication
The Landscape of Development

Setting the scene for UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029, this paper describes some of the main features of the landscape of development in which UNDP will be operating.

read more
Orange, blue and yellow gradient on a blue background, representing the cover of the Signals Spotlight 2024
Publication
Signals Spotlight 2024

UNDP’s new Signals Spotlight highlights some of the signals and trends UNDP sees emerging that we consider will be significant for development in the next years. This Spotlight focusses on intergenerational equity because of its importance to the Summit of the Future in September 2024.

read more
Abstract image in purple shades
Publication
Signals Spotlight 2023

UNDP's first Signals Spotlight draws on our prototype Future Trends and Signals System. UNDP staff continuously scan for signals of change and highlight interesting observations, connecting patterns and asking about their implications for the future of development.

read more
cover
Publication
UNDP Future of Development Strategy Lab

This paper is a synthesis of the UNDP Future of Development Strategy Lab on existential risk and responsibility held on 19 May 2022.

read more
Blog
UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025: Designing for Complexity and Uncertainty

Our world is changing so fast, the future looks increasingly complex and uncertain. The pace and scale of change reveal infinite possibilities – and choices - for our future..

read more
Admin video
Video
TED Salon: UNDP

Achim Steiner: Humanity's planet-shaping powers - and what they mean for the future

watch

Our vision

Hi I’m Achim Steiner. Welcome to this site, intended for everyone who is interested in the future of development.

The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals provide us with a north star to guide our choices towards a better, fairer future for all. Yet as I reflect on the future of development, it seems we are entering a civilizational moment, when we must redefine what is “normal”, rethink our current paradigms and re-examine the choices we are making.

In a world of nearly 10 billion people, we can all play a role. We need to move from incremental to transformative action.

Neither UNDP nor the UN can do this in isolation. We recognise ourselves as part of a broader community that seeks to deepen the conversation and tap the wisdom and experience of those at the cutting edge of change.

This site is an evolving space to share reflections and provocations on the future of development. I hope it will provide food for thought on the choices we are all making – governments, business, individuals and societies - that can transform development in the 21st century.

Read more

 

Achim Steiner’s Reflections for the Future of Development

Video Player
word cloud