UNDP is central to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG),  a network that spans 165 countries and unites the 40 UN funds, programmes, specialized agencies and other bodies working to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General and with UNDP Administrator as Vice-Chair, the UNSDG provides strategic direction and oversight to ensure UNDS entities deliver coherent, effective and efficient support to countries in their pursuit of sustainable development.  

UNDP has a critical advisory role in driving the sustainable development agenda, based on Member States’ priorities and country context and plays an important role in fostering coordination within the UN system at country level, including by providing key system-wide services and country support platforms to support the implementation of the SDGs. UNDP participates in 66 “Delivering as One” initiatives which, together with the Standard Operating Procedures, enable UN Country Teams to operate more coherently, effectively and efficiently, minimizing transaction costs, reducing duplication and scaling up common approaches and joint initiatives.

UNDP also reinforces joint action on development in such forums as the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations.