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There can be no peace without development, and there can be no development without peace
How UNDP responded to crises in 2024
2024: Marked by profound crises
2024 was marked by profound crises from conflicts in the Middle East, Haiti, Sudan and Ukraine to the devastating effects of extreme weather fuelled by climate change. By mid-year, over 120 million people had been forcibly displaced worldwide, as communities grappled with the challenges of violence, instability and climate change.
Yet, even amidst the despair, there were stories of hope, reminding us of humanity’s extraordinary ability to rise above adversity. Communities came together with an unwavering resolve to create a better future. They were resourceful. They were inspirational.
UNDP stood with them – supporting early recovery, rapid stabilization, solutions to forced displacement, resilience and transformative development.
Early recovery for lasting change
When crisis struck, UNDP worked with communities and governments to rebuild homes, livelihoods and infrastructure. By addressing immediate needs while laying the foundation for resilience, communities could recover more quickly.
In Gaza, conflict left almost everyone without a home and devastated basic services. Rotting garbage and waste were a major health risk. With the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and Joint Service Council for Solid Waste Management (JSC-KRM), we kept waste collection operations going.
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In Sudan, 26 million people did not have enough to eat, and 8 out of 10 women went hungry. Farmers like Mashaer Mohammed Abdalla provided much needed food through climate-resilient crops while strengthening the local economy.
In Africa’s Sahel Region, violent insurgency and shrinking resources, especially of water, threaten lives and livelihoods. Dicko Aissatou Hama from Burkina Faso expanded her skills, from advanced gardening to community conflict prevention. A cash-for-work programme is helping Amina Moussa Adoum, a mother of eight from Chad, take care of her family until she can return home. In north-west Nigeria, young women improved their incomes after learning how to install solar energy equipment.
Harnessing the power of women's leadership
By ensuring women were integral to the emergency response, we supported communities in overcoming crises. In Ukraine, Oleksandra Yevdokimova is clearing landmines, while young Karina is learning to drive a tractor to fill the gaps in the workforce. In Afghanistan, UNDP’s support to 80,000 businesses, with a special focus on women-led enterprises, has created over 900,000 jobs and benefitted 4.5 million people.
Strengthening justice, rebuilding trust
Strengthening the rule of law and the justice system is key to restoring stability and repairing the social contract. In Ethiopia’s Tigray region, the Supreme Court is rehabilitating infrastructure, digitizing legal processes and retraining judges, staff and registrars, fast tracking resolution to cases related to human trafficking, land disputes, and sexual and gender-based violence.
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In the capital city of Dhaka in Bangladesh, the city’s walls have become a canvas for youth to raise their voice towards resolving the country’s political crisis and building peace and security. Through visual arts, young people are raising awareness on strengthening human rights and social justice, empowering citizens to speak up and rebuild social harmony.
From conflict to cooperation
Maintaining peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict and building social cohesion. UNDP supports communities to mediate disputes, resolve conflicts and secure livelihoods, rooted in trust and collaboration. At the same time, the capacities of governments to anticipate and respond to risks are being strengthened.
In Papua New Guinea’s Highlands, a decade-long tribal conflict ended through inter-clan mediation supported by UNDP. Women are playing a critical role in these peacebuilding efforts, strengthening social harmony and ensuring agreements are upheld.
Anticipate, mitigate and adapt
Supporting community resilience helps prevent crises, reduces the impact and helps communities recover stronger.
Early warning systems and community-based trainings minimize losses during floods and cyclones. In the Asia-Pacific region, tsunami preparedness drills trained 200,000 students, teachers and community members across 24 countries.
In Cuba, recovery from Hurricane Ian is incorporating climate-smart agricultural practices and safer construction materials, reducing vulnerabilities and creating a blueprint for sustainable rebuilding.