Davao City – After years of longstanding partnership, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines marked a significant step forward in their collaboration by signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), solidifying their commitment to working together to address the region's development challenges and to collaborate further for resilience, inclusion, and sustainable development.

The Mindanao region, known for its cultural diversity and rich natural resources, has long been a focus for development efforts aimed at unlocking its full potential. With MinDA's mandate to coordinate and implement inter-regional development plans, programs, and projects, and UNDP's global expertise as the foremost development agency of the United Nations, the partnership between the two entities holds promise for catalyzing positive change in the region.

Taking concrete steps towards this partnership, MinDA and UNDP Philippines undertook a co-creation workshop to develop a concrete action plan that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributes to the region's socio-economic progress.

During her message, MinDa Secretary Maria Belen Acosta noted that, “as the lead government partner of UNDP for their programs in Mindanao, MinDA commits to work together to make sure that the dividends of peace are truly felt not just by our fellow Mindanawons, but by the rest of the international community, as well. The pursuit for lasting peace and progress is a huge task ahead, but it is always reassuring to know that we have development partners who believe in Mindanao’s potential and are always ready to work with us towards a common goal.”

UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran also lauded the years of partnership between the two agencies and noted that the MOU will only further strengthen joint development work in the region. “UNDP, akin to MinDA, is a catalyst for integration and innovation. We are eager to synchronize our initiatives in digitalization, governance, food security, inclusive livelihoods, climate resilience, women's empowerment, and peacebuilding with MinDA's Agenda for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development in Mindanao. Our shared philosophy underscores our commitment to harnessing our collective strengths for the greater good of Mindanao. Our cooperation aims to address the issue of inequality,” said Dr. Ramachandran, highlighting the efforts of a strategic vision for Mindanao. He further reiterated the need for crafting an integrated development blueprint that resonates with the peace and development aspirations of the national government.

The signing of the MOU marks the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between MinDA and UNDP Philippines. By combining their resources, expertise, and networks, the two organizations are poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people in Mindanao and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

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About MinDA

The Mindanao Development Authority envisions to be the lead agency providing strategic leadership for a peaceful, integrated and globally competitive Mindanao. MinDA seeks to coordinate, facilitate, and integrate initiatives that bring about sustainable development of Mindanao.