New York, June 12 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has welcomed the Government of Sweden’s decision to today enter into a multi-year core funding agreement. The agreement also includes a commitment to core funding to fellow agencies UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women.

In a joint statement, the four organisations said the contribution will enhance their ability to fulfil their mandates and carry out their work with the greatest possible flexibility and predictability. UNDP will receive 1.26 billion SEK for 2018 and 2019.

“We welcome and appreciate the generous contribution Sweden is making to UNDP and the wider UN development system. We greatly value our long-standing partnership with Sweden and their commitment to governance, conflict prevention, human rights and gender equality,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

“Core resources allow UNDP to help countries deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, so Sweden’s contribution marks an important milestone in our joint commitment to achieve Agenda 2030,” he added.

Core funds pay for essential enablers for work on the ground, guaranteeing the quality and integrity of work and help deliver maximum value for every dollar contributed, said the joint statement.

It added that the multi-year nature of Sweden’s commitment is especially welcome. It will significantly enhance agencies’ capacities to plan and implement their Strategic Plans and to collaborate towards Agenda 2030, fulfilling the collective commitment to “leave no-one behind”, as the common chapter of all the agencies’ Strategic Plans commits to.