New York/Seoul —The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), expanding their partnership to focus on peacebuilding and prevention of violent extremism in Africa. KOICA has made a substantial financial commitment, contributing USD 20 million over three years, to support African countries, including Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. 

The aim of the expanded partnership is to boost efforts that tackle the root causes of conflict and crises in the region and to advance community-based solutions to peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism. This work will include strengthened peacebuilding infrastructures, social integration, and economic resilience as well as the expansion of new and innovative approaches to address systemic challenges and complexities in fragile and conflict-prone contexts.

“UNDP greatly appreciates the strong partnership with the Republic of Korea to address complex development issues using innovative solutions with a whole-of-society approach. This support is critical for our ability to strengthen peace efforts by tackling violent extremism and by working closely with local partners to build social cohesion and promote community empowerment,” said Ulrika Modéer, ASG and Director of the Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy, at UNDP.

UNDP is leveraging its specialized expertise in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and the prevention of violent extremism as well as its extensive presence as a trusted partner at regional, national and community levels, to ensure needs are met. The partnership further aims to maximize the strategic impact on Peace and Security by engaging youth and women as agents of change and champions of peace and stability.

“The signing of the MOU will mark a great opportunity for both organizations committed to the HDP nexus to unleash greater synergies. Through the newly launched collaborative programme in the African region, KOICA aspires to prevent violent extremism and strive for the establishment of sustainable and resilient peace. We believe this robust partnership will pave the way toward a future with peace and stability in conflict-affected and fragile countries,” said Jungmee Sohn, Vice President of KOICA. 

This expanded partnership, developed under the KOICA Conflict and Fragility Programme, aligns with UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 as well as the Republic of Korea’s Humanitarian-Development-Peace-Nexus Implementation Strategy 2021. 

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For more information, please contact: 

For UNDP, Mr. Adithya Kumar, Adithya.kumar@undp.org 

For KOICA, Ms. Jooyoung Baek, jybaek@koica.go.kr