Path to the future

Hello everyone!

I’m so glad you’re here! I’ll be your moderator for this first week. I am excited to get your thoughts and insights to help shape the next four-year strategy for UNDP. The approach to designing the new strategy is a deeply collaborative one, and here’s a chance for you to share your reflections on UNDP and the future of development.

Feel free to jump in and respond to any or all of the questions, and share your views — just remember to include the question you are responding to in your comment. And don’t worry about the language, you can choose whichever one you’re most comfortable with! Just click the language button in the top right corner, and the platform will take care of the rest.

We’re looking forward to a vibrant and engaging discussion together. Thank you for being here, and let’s make this a great week!

All my very best, Silvia

1. Addressing Root Causes of Poverty and Inequality:

   • Universal early childhood education and digital lessons.
   • Support for pregnant women and new mothers.
   • Increased access to technical education.
   • Effective use of AI and educational applications.

2. Debt Reduction Strategies:

   • Promote sukuk operations and expand Islamic Development Bank activities.
   • Encourage non-bank financing methods like leasing and factoring.

3. Demopolization and Decentralization:

   • Support for SMEs and decentralize decision-making.
   • Urban development at the village level.

4. Waste and Garbage Recycling:

   • Develop comprehensive recycling programs.
   • Promote a circular economy.

5. Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development:

   • Invest in wind and solar energy.
   • Promote electric vehicles and sustainable transportation.

6. Natural Food Consumption:

   • Encourage consumption of natural foods and reduce harmful additives.

7. Healthy Lifestyle and Psychological Support:

   • Promote sports, nature activities, and provide psychological support.

8. Implementation and Monitoring:

   • Utilize data-driven decision-making.
   • Engage stakeholders and conduct regular reviews.

Thank you Ravshan for raising these important points, summarized below:

1. From your perspective, what are the top emerging issues that could have a major impact on people and planet, that we don’t know enough about?

• Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development: Investing in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, and promoting electric vehicles and transportation.

• Waste and Garbage Recycling: Developing comprehensive recycling programs and promoting a circular economy.

• Natural Food Consumption: Encouraging the consumption of natural foods and reducing harmful additives.

2. What do you think are critical long-term shifts that UNDP should work towards?

• Education and Technological Knowledge: Ensuring universal early childhood education, increasing access to technical education, and developing programs for the effective use of AI and educational applications.

• Debt Reduction Strategies: Promoting alternative financing models like sukuk operations and expanding the activities of the Islamic Development Bank.

• Demopolization and Decentralization: Supporting small businesses, decentralizing decision-making, and promoting urban development at the village level.

• Healthy Lifestyle and Psychological Support: Encouraging sports and nature activities, and providing psychological support services.

3. How do we work better to promote systems change? What key changes does UNDP need to make to become more effective?

• Addressing Root Causes of Poverty and Inequality: Creating conditions for supporting pregnant women and new mothers, and increasing access to technical education.

• Implementation and Monitoring: Utilizing data and analytics for decision-making, engaging with stakeholders, and conducting regular reviews and assessments.

Colleagues, thank you for the valuable feedback we’ve received so far! To keep the momentum going, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the following questions. Your insights are key, so please jump in and share your views 🙌

1. Regarding the critical long-term shifts that UNDP should work towards, could you elaborate on specific strategies or initiatives that you believe would be most effective in achieving these shifts?

2. In terms of promoting systems change, what specific actions or changes do you think UNDP needs to implement to enhance its effectiveness and impact?

To enhance its effectiveness and impact, the UNDP should focus on several key actions:

1. Streamlining Regulatory Frameworks: Simplify and update regulations to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and promote ease of doing business. South Korea's reforms are a good example of creating an environment conducive to innovation.

2. Strengthening Anti-Corruption Measures: Enhance transparency and accountability in government operations using digital tools. Finland's high standards of transparency provide a useful model.

3. Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage private sector expertise and resources in public projects to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Japan's successful partnerships in infrastructure development offer valuable insights.

4. Supporting SMEs: Provide access to finance, training, and market opportunities to diversify the economy and reduce dependency on key sectors. Japan's support for SMEs has been crucial for its economic resilience.

5. Engaging Stakeholders: Involve civil society, private sector, and marginalized communities in policy-making to ensure inclusivity. Finland's inclusive processes are a model for broad-based participation.

6. Decentralization: Transfer more budgetary control to local governments to enhance local autonomy and decision-making. Bolivia and Indonesia's decentralization efforts have improved local governance and public service delivery.

7. Enhancing STEM Education: Improve education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to build a skilled workforce. Finland's education system is renowned for its focus on STEM and innovative teaching methods.

8. Establishing Innovation Hubs: Foster entrepreneurship and innovation through technology parks and incubators. Singapore's innovation ecosystem is a model for technological advancement.

9. Utilizing Data and Emerging Technologies: Use data-driven approaches and integrate technologies like AI and IoT into public administration to improve efficiency. South Korea's data-driven governance has been key to its policy success.

10. Investing in Digital Infrastructure: Develop next-generation wireless networks and expand digital government services to improve connectivity and service delivery. Singapore's Smart Nation initiative is a prime example.

11. Ensuring Environmental Sustainability: Adopt green technologies and practices to reduce the carbon footprint of digital infrastructure. Singapore's green data centers initiative is a leading example.

12. Promoting Renewable Energy: Invest in solar and wind power and support sustainable energy solutions. Japan's commitment to renewable energy offers valuable lessons.

13. Encouraging a Circular Economy: Support industries focused on waste management and recycling to reduce environmental impact. Finland's circular economy initiatives set a global benchmark.

14. Monitoring and Evaluation: Use international organizations to monitor and evaluate the impact of development projects to ensure they achieve their intended outcomes.

From my perspective, the top emerging issues that could significantly impact people and the planet, yet lack sufficient understanding, are rooted in the intersection of technology, climate adaptation, and youth resilience. With the rapid pace of digital transformation, there’s an urgent need to address "Tech for Good" initiatives that support vulnerable communities rather than widen the digital divide. We’re only beginning to see the potential of AI, blockchain, and data-driven solutions in the realm of social entrepreneurship and sustainable development, yet much of this innovation still eludes communities facing poverty, displacement, or limited resources. Additionally, climate adaptation strategies are not advancing as quickly as the climate crisis itself. Resilience is key, particularly for young people who often bear the heaviest burdens from climate impacts and economic inequalities. We need a stronger focus on adaptive solutions that equip youth with practical skills, digital literacy, and the tools to foster both local and global resilience through social ventures.

In terms of long-term changes, UNDP should prioritize equitable and inclusive economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship in regions often overlooked. The development sector is at a turning point where empowerment must go beyond traditional aid structures and begin empowering local talent with the tools to innovate for themselves. UNDP's focus on sustainable livelihood initiatives could drive substantial change if scaled up and adapted to support young entrepreneurs, especially in conflict-affected areas. We need a stronger investment in platforms that encourage local innovators to solve their community's problems while aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, expanding educational and mentorship opportunities in the fields of ESG, CSR, and social entrepreneurship would create a ripple effect, equipping young changemakers to tackle systemic inequalities and environmental challenges with confidence and capability.

To truly promote systems change, collaboration must become less hierarchical and more integrative, fostering genuine partnerships that bring grassroots voices into every decision-making level. We need more agile, community-driven feedback loops to quickly identify what is working on the ground. By investing in storytelling and community engagement strategies, we can better document and share real-world solutions that can inspire others and gain wider support. Also, building an open-source knowledge-sharing platform would enable all UNDP partners and local NGOs to exchange best practices and learn from each other’s successes and challenges. The more we break down silos, the closer we come to creating an inclusive, resilient ecosystem that drives sustainable progress and adapts to emerging issues as they arise.

Hello!

My experience as a public servant in a subnational level government institution, shows me that to adress the major issues that people and the planet are facing, the TOP priorities must be:

1. Building financial tools for national AND subnational level government institutions.

2. Improving fiscal health in local governments.

3. Building / updating the legal framework for a sustainable territorial planning.

4. Improving institutional capacities of local level governments.

5. Create more climate funds.

6. Invest in strengthening the statistical capacities in subnational level governments.

I can go on, but I want to stop here.

Thanks for getting this important conversation started about where UNDP is heading.

You know what keeps me up at night? The way AI is reshaping our world, especially in developing countries. Sure, it's exciting stuff  but I worry about who's getting left behind. Think about a small business owner in a rural area who can't access these tools, or communities being affected by AI systems that weren't designed with them in mind. We've got to get ahead of this.

And speaking of challenges, the health impacts of climate change are hitting hard. Just last summer, I was talking to colleagues working in regions where air pollution and heat waves are becoming unbearable. It's not just an environmental issue anymore it's a health crisis.

Looking ahead, I believe UNDP needs to double down on climate resilience. Not just with fancy policies, but real, on-the-ground solutions that help vulnerable communities weather the storm literally and figuratively. And while we're pushing for digital progress, let's make sure everyone gets a seat at the table. No one should be left in the digital dark ages.

Here's what I think makes partnerships work: when everyone brings something unique to the table. Government resources, private sector innovation, civil society insights it's like a well-balanced recipe. But most importantly, we need to listen to local voices. The best solutions often come from the very communities we're trying to help.

These are just my thoughts, but I'm excited to see where this conversation leads!

UNDP should not devote all its activities to the consequences of capitalism, the gap between rich and poor, the results of monopolistic companies, the consumer approach of business, the impacts of climate change, UNDP should put efforts and resources on neutralizing the causes of the impacts of climate change, first of all, the climate will change radically as a result of the mass production of electric cars within 5 years, it is better to help 1-2 million people to pull out of poverty (what UNDP is doing now), when there is an opportunity to pull out 1-2 billion people through mass provision with kindergarten and support for pregnant women and after childbirth for 1-2 years, this is where UNDP resources and time should be directed.

Dear Silvia:

Thank you for the invitation and for your moderation. Here are some reflections:

• System Change Demands Radical Cross-Silo Collaboration: Addressing complex challenges like climate change or equitable economic development requires moving beyond short-term, siloed approaches. Effective system change calls for cross-sector collaboration and a shift toward systemic thinking that transcends individual organizations. It also requires new forms of governance and continuous engagement between stakeholders.

• More Theory Than Practice: While many stakeholders are eager to adopt system transformation approaches, practical examples remain limited. Proven, field-tested methodologies are essential to help others adopt or adapt tools for systemic transformation. Effective system change requires practical steps that make strategies feasible on the ground.

• Embrace Uncertainty: Traditional project-based models, with their fixed goals and timelines, are often too rigid for today’s interconnected challenges. System change frameworks offer a more adaptive, integrative approach rooted in systems thinking, allowing flexibility in response to evolving needs. Effective system change approaches provide organizations with structured guidance to navigate uncertainty, focusing on the "how" of steering initiatives toward ambitious goals.

• Role of Intelligence and Signaling: Systems change approaches need to place intelligence and signaling at the forefront, enabling continuous adaptation to development uncertainties. Making learning and adaptation routine is essential to balance agility with stability.

• Need for New Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Approaches: Traditional monitoring and evaluation methods don’t capture systemic change effectively; new frameworks focused on long-term value creation are essential. Approaches that support decision-making for the future are particularly needed.

I believe all these elements are essential to promote system change from UNDP and other partners.

As a seasoned development expert with UNDP experience, prioritizing resilience, inclusive governance, and sustainable economic transformation will be critical to creating meaningful change in the years ahead. Specifically, here are some key areas to focus on:
 

Climate Resilience and Adaptation

As climate change increasingly disrupts ecosystems, livelihoods, and health, the need for a more resilient, adaptive approach becomes paramount. This entails mitigating climate impacts and equipping vulnerable communities to withstand and recover from them. Key actions include:

• Scaling Early Warning Systems: Developing accurate, localized early warning systems is essential to give communities time to respond to natural disasters. This includes weather forecasting for droughts and floods and alert systems for vulnerable coastal and agricultural communities.
• Investing in Climate-Smart Infrastructure: Infrastructure development must consider future climate impacts. Green building practices, resilient transportation networks, and flood-resistant housing can drastically reduce the damages from extreme weather events.
• Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Climate change has a profound impact on food security. Shifting toward climate-smart agriculture practices that improve productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help farmers adapt and protect food systems. This includes drought-resistant crops, optimized irrigation, and diversified farming techniques.
• Community-Led Environmental Management: Engaging local communities in environmental conservation and natural resource management enhances long-term sustainability. Localized action plans for preserving ecosystems (e.g., mangrove reforestation in coastal areas) empower communities to take ownership of climate solutions.

This priority is not just about environmental responsibility; it is a vital economic and social necessity. Countries that incorporate climate resilience into their planning will mitigate damage and unlock new economic opportunities in the green economy.

In terms of promoting systems change, what specific actions or changes do you think UNDP needs to implement to enhance its effectiveness and impact?

I took a look at the prior strategic plan and did a search for the process being used. I couldn't find any information, but I believe the approach being followed is flawed, and it shows up here in this stream/thread.

The best way to build a detailed four-year strategy is to start by building a 15-30-year vision (not vision statement) and strategy.

The best way to do that is to pick a target year (e.g. 2050) and negotiate the measurable outcomes wanted in that year. As these are uncovered, and the few are chosen from the many, pull them together into a vision of the future. There are more steps involved...

The core idea is to start from the future and work backwards.

As you do so, the four-year strategic plan emerges. It's a Future-Back approach. Following it engages a different mindset.

Unfortunately, the way the questions are currently framed in this stream support a Present-Forward approach.

This method (which unfortunately is the most commonplace) keeps one mired in present-day problems, with none of the resources of the future. One of these resources is time - as in decades.

This amazing resource allows you to think and problem-solve very differently!

Trying to tackle the massive issues facing the planet with only four years available leads to unrealistic thinking which has already shown up in this thread. This in turn breeds cynicism. And despair.

Suggestion: How about asking these questions...

"What should the world look like in 2050?  What tradeoffs must be made to have your vision realized? What long-term milestones will take us there? What 4-year plan does this translate into?"

I hope this is helpful...and not too strident. Thanks for the opportunity.

As an international consultant with the UNDP and a seasoned development expert, I am committed to advancing resilience, inclusive governance, and sustainable economic transformation, particularly through digital transformation and innovation. By focusing on these priorities, we can drive meaningful, lasting change in our development efforts. the corner stone area to consider is the Digital Transformation and Innovation:

Digital Transformation and Innovation

Digital transformation can revolutionize service delivery, bridge divides, and foster inclusion provided that the benefits of technology reach those who need them most. Actions for leveraging digital technology include:

• Expanding Digital Infrastructure in Underserved Areas: The lack of digital infrastructure is a major barrier in many developing regions. Expanding internet access, particularly in rural areas, will empower marginalized communities to access education, health, and employment resources online.
• Investing in Digital Literacy and Skills: As digital tools become integral to development, ensuring that populations can use them effectively is essential. Initiatives that enhance digital literacy, especially for youth and women, can improve access to information and promote civic participation. This includes training in basic digital skills, as well as advanced areas like data analysis and programming.
• Harnessing Data for Better Decision-Making: Development organizations can improve the precision and impact of interventions by using big data and advanced analytics. For instance, real-time data on health trends, migration patterns, or economic changes enables more targeted responses. Ethical data practices and data protection will be crucial in this effort.
• Supporting Digital Health and Education Initiatives: Telemedicine, remote learning, and mobile banking are examples of how digital solutions can overcome geographical and resource barriers. Scaling these initiatives ensures that essential services are accessible, even in remote areas, and contributes to the resilience of local communities.

A strategic investment in digital transformation can help us make strides in efficiency, inclusiveness, and transparency. However, it is essential to mitigate risks, such as privacy concerns, digital exclusion, and cyber threats, to ensure the benefits are equitable. 

This comment is in relations to 'how we work' question but it also offers pathways for organizing ourselves as the answer to 'what we do' is likely to continue shifting.

Both pieces of research UNDP commission for the business model review (EY & AidData) confirm that the large positioning space for UNDP is supporting governments & dev partners to tackle multi dimensional, complex policy issues. These tend to be greater than any one sector, ministry & disciplines, affecting multiple constituents in the society often in very different ways. What makes systems & complexity theory very difficult to apply in real life is its absolute incoherence with the way institutions currently operate - premised on the notion that the world is stable & predictable. 

In this context, the previous Strategic Plan called for UNDP to shift to a system & portfolio way of working. Fast forward 3 years, UNDP has adopted a new policy (portfolio policy) that institutionalizes experience of over 70 country offices that together with their partners found ways to adapt systems work to their own context - tackling issues of inequality & trust to just transitions.

Our country offices showed how a different way of organizing can help generate new frames of understanding complex policy challenges & design of a continued supply of policy possibilities that maintain the agency of decision makers in face of fast moving context.  Not surprisingly then that the policy signals inordinate demand from our partners to provide practical & ready to use set of tools to translate different way of (system informed) working into reality - a set of tools and approaches that merry technical expertise with ability to account and design for various intangibles (lack of trust, unhappiness, feelings of despair) and continually generate development intelligence that expands possibilities for decision makers.  

The policy itself is a phase shift in this work.  It is a beginning of reconfiguring the development and public sector toward more system-driven, evolutionary ways of working that are aligned with the nature of issues our partners are tackling.  It is time in our next SP to double down on this effort because, in light of growing demand, there is a need for reimagine not just how UNDP operates but a broader development & public sector - with a caveat that having done the work ourselves we can play a lighthouse role for our partners. We are seeing interesting signals of what this might look like - Danish Government established the world’s 1st mission ministry. It brings together various parts of sectoral ministries (industry, jobs, environment, climate) into a new one called Green Tripartite focused on green growth. 

We are likely to see more and more these institutional innovation experiments in the future and UNDP has an opportunity to be a leading partner that showcases various ways in which system & portfolio approaches can help reimagine institutions for the realities of 21st century. 

I am very pleased to attach my inputs on the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029

UNDP Strategic Plan 2026_11 11 2024_1.docx36.57 KB

Firstly, what a brilliant set of provocations already, great reading so far. I've tried to centre on one answer for each question, based on recent experiences.
 

From your perspective, what are the top emerging issues that could have a major impact on people and planet, that we don't know enough about?

Like others, I would highlight AI as something that is (and will continue) to have a major impact on people and planet. But the term is so broad, with so many different implications. So I will focus on one particular angle.

When it comes to the use of Large Language Models, I feel there are vital questions about ‘deskilling critical thinking’.

Today, people using their expertise, accrued over time, to evaluate, edit or reject LLM outputs. How do future generations go about building up that expertise in an LLM-saturated world? 

Is it possible to use these same technologies to help people bootstrap their critical thinking ability? And how should that reflect the cultural heritage of people using these systems?
 

In your view, what are the most important long-term changes that UNDP should focus on?

It increasingly feels like we have left the age of mass media, and even that of centralised social networks. People tend to gather in smaller networks to share online and discuss their lives. 

This is as empowering as it is problematic; it is nearly impossible to estimate the effects various actors have in these online spaces.

I have been reflecting on the words “United Nations” in the last few days - it is very hard to find a singular ‘United Nation’ in this new media era, never mind a way of bridging the divides between different nations.

Are we reaching a point where it is not just good enough to bring digital connectivity to people as a basic right, but once they arrive there they should be able to gather and communicate on a basic civic platform too? 

How public should the public square be? How should its civic purpose be protected or policed? And what is the UN's role in this world?

How could we work better together to promote systems change?

From recent work with Wellcome Trust, I have been thinking a lot about the intersection of Climate and Health. The former has often been presented as a ‘large, far-off’ problem, and the latter a ‘specific, right-now’ problem. When you bring them together, suddenly you get to interesting and compelling ways of looking at the world differently.

Finding ways to visualise this for different teams and groups became really important to do some of the hard lifting for them in seeing the system.

So, for UNDP, I wonder how might you take this principle and visualise what established, well-evidenced SDG clusters might look like, bringing together patterns in a set way which people can learn & copy from?

This is a quick rough sketch as an example of what I mean.

Take some key overlaps in SDGs, should how they connect, they use example projects as state points others can learn from. It would use the SDGs as building blocks to create a library of 'patterns' to help people and organisations see things in new ways, with some initiatives and results from other places to follow. It may be a way of showing more precise ways to support system change, and therefore be easier to promote to others.

"Entanglement" is such a great term for this, Alberto - yes, maybe visualising the SDG entanglements as a sensemaking initiative is a good way of phrasing it? 

I'm still in answering the first question as an international consultant at UNDP and from working in several countries worldwide, I believe that prioritizing resilience, inclusive governance, and sustainable economic transformation will be critical to creating meaningful change in the years ahead. Specifically, I started with some key areas to focus on:
1. Climate Resilience and Adaptation

2. Digital Transformation and Innovation

Today I will continue with:

3. Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

Many of the UN’s focus areas are conflict-affected or politically fragile regions. Addressing these conflicts is not only necessary for the immediate protection of human rights but also essential for long-term development. Efforts in conflict prevention and peacebuilding should include:

• Supporting Local Governance and Rule of Law: Strong local governance is crucial in maintaining peace. Promoting transparent, inclusive governance systems empowers communities to manage disputes and address grievances. Strengthening the rule of law through capacity building for local law enforcement and judicial systems creates a foundation for accountability and stability.
• Engaging Youth in Peacebuilding Initiatives: Youth are often disproportionately affected by conflict but also hold the potential to be key agents for peace. Youth-led peacebuilding programs, including skill development, civic engagement, and economic opportunities, can mitigate the conditions that lead to violence and radicalization.
• Fostering Social Cohesion through Community-Based Approaches: Initiatives that build social cohesion are vital in conflict-prone areas. Community dialogue programs, inter-ethnic and inter-faith collaborations, and trauma healing initiatives help build trust and solidarity among diverse groups, preventing the escalation of conflict.
• Investment in Crisis Preparedness and Response Mechanisms: Developing early crisis response mechanisms, including emergency funds and mobile response teams, allows communities to respond more effectively to outbreaks of violence. Investing in systems that enable quick, coordinated humanitarian responses minimizes the negative impact on development and human welfare.

Addressing the root causes of conflict and empowering local actors will lead to more sustainable peace. Strengthening community resilience to manage and prevent conflict is crucial for development.

4. Social Protection and Economic Inclusion

Social protection systems and inclusive economic policies are foundational to sustainable development, providing a safety net for vulnerable populations and fostering economic mobility. This priority is especially pressing given the widening inequalities exacerbated by recent global crises. Action points include:

• Expanding Comprehensive Social Safety Nets: In many regions, social protection programs are either inadequate or inaccessible to those who need them most. Implementing universal social safety nets—such as cash transfers, unemployment benefits, and health insurance—can reduce poverty and economic vulnerability. It’s also crucial to consider the portability of benefits for displaced populations and informal workers.
• Youth and Women's Empowerment Programs: Focusing on economic inclusion for youth and women is a proven way to drive sustainable economic growth. Programs that offer vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and access to finance for these groups can create a more dynamic, resilient workforce. Tailored interventions, such as financing models that lower entry barriers for women-led businesses, can catalyze economic transformation.
• Creating Pathways to Dignified Employment: In the face of automation, urbanization, and evolving labor markets, it’s essential to prioritize policies that promote formal, dignified employment. Supporting sectors like green energy, healthcare, and technology can create jobs aligned with sustainable development. Additionally, promoting decent work standards, upskilling programs, and labor rights can protect workers and reduce informal employment.
• Inclusive Economic Policy Design: Policies must explicitly consider marginalized communities and promote equitable economic growth. This could include tax incentives for inclusive businesses, subsidies for rural entrepreneurs, and development initiatives targeting underserved regions.

By reinforcing social safety nets and fostering inclusive economic policies, we can support individuals and families in moving out of poverty, achieving greater economic independence, and contributing to their societies in meaningful ways.

By the end of this comment, I'm finishing my contribution to answer the first question. 

Hello everyone,

Welcome to another exciting week of our consultation process! I’ll be your moderator for this week. We’ve already gathered some incredible insights, and I’m thrilled to dive deeper into our discussions with all of you.

So far, comments have highlighted the importance of UNDP’s facilitation role in connecting diverse actors and leveraging our collective knowledge to drive systems change. Building and maintaining issue-based coalitions has been recognized as a key strategy to advance Agenda 2030, emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue within national ecosystems.

Comments have also highlighted the need to streamline regulatory frameworks and strengthen anti-corruption measures to enhance governance and public trust. The conversations have also underscored the value of public-private partnerships in boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.

Support for SMEs has been mentioned, with a focus on providing access to finance, training, and market opportunities to diversify economies. Furthermore, engaging a broad range of stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and marginalized communities, remains crucial for inclusive policymaking.

Lastly, comments have highlighted the importance of promoting digital literacy, enhancing digital infrastructure, and ensuring environmentally sustainable digital transformation efforts to drive technological and economic growth.

I’m looking forward to reading more of your valuable insights. Let’s make this week productive and insightful!

Best regards,

Janil

With the world’s wealth at $500 trillion and annual global GDP over $100 trillion, the $1 trillion UNDP budget must strategically target specific sectors for maximum impact. Key areas include:
Free Pre-School Education: Ensuring 100% access to lay a strong educational foundation, supporting increased access to technical education.
Improved Childhood Nutrition: Enhancing learning capabilities and overall health.
These measures support the development of the green and digital economy and strengthen governance. The UNDP’s focus on mitigating the side effects of monopolistic practices (pollution, global warming) and state capitalism crises can be enhanced by:

SME Development
Digital Technologies
Electric Transport
Wind and Solar Energy
By following these global perspectives and innovative ideas, we can direct the $70 trillion expected investment over the next decade towards sustainable development, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for all.

Support for Small Businesses to Address Poverty and Inequality
To limit monopolistic companies and state capitalism, a comprehensive approach should include:

Capacity-Building for Civil Society Organizations: Enhancing their effectiveness and sustainability.
Comprehensive Social Protection Policies: Including unemployment benefits, health insurance, and pensions.
Inclusive Policies: Catering to vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Mental Well-being: Promoting health through sports and engagement with nature.
Reducing Chemical Additives: Encouraging the consumption of natural foods.
Anti-Corruption: Establishing robust frameworks for transparency and accountability.
Judicial Reforms: Modernizing systems for faster and fairer justice.
Innovative Financing: Promoting alternatives like leasing, factoring, sukuk, and project co-financing.
Public-Private Partnerships: Leveraging private sector expertise.
Local Governance Empowerment: Retaining 80% of state budget revenues locally, introducing direct elections for local governors, and improving budget management.
Data Systems for Resilience Planning: Ensuring 80% of countries have robust data systems by 2029.
Urban Planning: Implementing innovative solutions for village development and urbanization.
Business Incubators: Providing resources and mentorship for startups.
Financial and Training Support: Offering grants, low-interest loans, and training, especially for women and youth.
These strategies address global crises and challenges.

UNDP Strategic Plan 2026_11 11 2024_4.docx36.57 KB

Drawing from my experience as an international consultant for UNDP across more than 30 countries, in terms of the Key Long-Term Priorities for UNDP’s Strategic Plan (2026-2029), I believe the following priorities are essential to drive lasting global progress:

1. Climate Resilience and Adaptation
   Empower countries with resilient infrastructure and sustainable agricultural systems, particularly for vulnerable communities directly impacted by climate change.

2. Inclusive Economic Development
   Focus on creating equal economic opportunities by supporting green jobs, digital economies, and sustainable local businesses, especially for marginalized populations.

3. Governance and Institutional Integrity
   Strengthen transparency and accountability in governance systems to build institutions that effectively respond to citizens' needs.

4. Digital Transformation for Development
   Enable digital capacity-building, ensuring countries can leverage technology to enhance public services and foster inclusive development.

5. Social Inclusion and Human Rights
   Prioritize human rights and equitable access to resources, with targeted support for marginalized and displaced communities.

These areas are vital for UNDP to lead sustainable and inclusive development globally and respond to immediate and emerging challenges.

Dear Waleed, 

I want to start my engagement here by providing initial comments to your post, as it is the latest post i see here. 😀

With over a decade in UNDP's communications and knowledge management, I've come to realize the power of simplicity. I am trying to look at it from a layperson's perspective. We should simplify everything.

While i think we are all working in the areas you have identified, I advocate for a more streamlined approach. I was wondering if we can simplify it and say that our priority should be just one thing... one portfolio: 

1) Climate resilience that leads to inclusive economic development ensuring integrity and transparency (we can certainly use digital transformation, innovation etc as tools not end, and social inclusion and human rights comes in when we aim to promote 'inclusive growth'). Or it can also be phrased as "Inclusive and sustainable development/growth". Climate resilience can infact be promoted not just as an adaptation measure but as a catalyst for inclusive economic development, ensuring that our interventions are transparent and accountable. 

Poverty, resilience and governance have been areas of our strength, but when we started creating separate portfolios around these, we ended up working in silos, eg UNDP saw standalone projects on violent extremism,  on peacebuilding, on climate adaptation, on micro-enterprise development, on women's empowerment, on parliament, on human rights. 

But if we look at the past 10 years, we had very few projects that addressed "climate change, democratic governance, violent extremism, peacebuilding and micro-enterprise development" all together under one integrated programme, despite the fact that they are interconnected. Why? Because there was no incentive for UNDP to do that - given the separate pillar approach. Few examples, such as the area-based programme in Myanmar and Somalia, could stand out. But these are just pilots (and still under one siloed portfolio) and have not been expanded to an scale that would have a big impact. 

If the current UNDP approach had a voice, it would sound like this : "Sorry, what is violent extremism? I lead resilience portfolio. Please talk to someone from the Governance portfolio. That is not areas of our focus."😅

The new UNDP approach should sound like this: 😍😍😍 "Violent extremism? Yes, our climate crisis response in X district is providing solar power to 1m IDPs for their security, skills to run small business for young men, women (refugees, IDPs), one-stop-center to provide 24/7 legal/medical support, inclusive electoral process, community-led small infrastructure development, awareness campaign to sensitize, and etc.... 😍😍😍

I believe that the more we simplify the more effective UNDP will be. UNDP should have one priority, just one - that will allow us to effectively implement what we have been calling "portfolio approach". Hope this makes sense. Would love to hear your thoughts.  

Sorry, i may sound very naive and overtly simplistic. But in a world where complexity often leads to inaction, simplicity can lead to significant outcomes. i strongly believe that this is one of the things we need to make a real impact. and this applies in programming, not just in communications. :-)

I am saying this out of my heart and in good faith, thinking this could help make UNDP more efficient, as the scale of need (witnessing from Somalia) is unimaginably high, and we need to get better. 

Thank you

Kamal Raj Sigdel, Somalia 😍😍😍

Francis Wade Thank you for your thoughtful reflections. You raise valid and helpful points, and not strident at all. One could argue that Agenda 2030 serves as the UNDP’s (and the UN’s) framework for long-term targets, encapsulated in the SDGs. This may not be clearly reflected in the current Strategic Plan’s narrative, although its results framework does show alignment with the SDGs. However, as we approach the 2030 timeline, it begs the question, what’s the vision for the next 15–30 years? Here, I would reference the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact.

Furthermore, the longer-term national visions and plans for the countries and communities in which we serve are even more crucial. Translating a strategic vision into results on the ground help ensure context-specificity and relevance, addressing the unique needs and aspirations of local communities today, tomorrow, and beyond. By ensuring the strategic plan provides flexibility and adaptability to national frameworks, we are better able to support development that is tailored to local contexts and future challenges.

Interestingly, the team responsible for strategic planning is also leading the futures work, helping to advance and streamline a futures-focused approach to strategic planning throughout the organization. I think this blog on how UNDP designed the current strategic plan (2022-2025) using futures methods to address complexity and uncertainty makes for an interesting read.

Applying foresight to strategic planning is imperative, and I can confirm that this best practice is being applied to the formulation of the 2026-29 strategy for UNDP. Keep an eye out for the next futures landscape paper, which will be released at the end of the year. And if you haven’t already, you may check out the Signals Spotlight 2024. Let us know what you think.

Best,

Janil

Thanks Janil Greenaway.

In practical terms, as we enter 2025, the SDGs no longer offer any long-term guidance. Why? 2030 is a mere five years away. So, it's now just a short-term set of aspirations.

Here in my country we have a similar problem. Our Vision 2030 Jamaica is 15 years old. I gather from my colleagues in South Africa and Kenya, they are in the same situation. 

All this points to a systemic failure of the world's process of visioning game-changing outcomes. Unfortunately, I don't see evidence that the UN is equipping itself to help countries who need assistance.

I keep searching...but as I look through the links you sent, I don't see that much has been learned from the MDGs and SDGs and their paltry results.

Yet, the 21-year effort to eradicate smallpox is a great success story of global long-term planning. Why not learn from history - good and bad?

Here in Jamaica, like elsewhere, we desperately need positive global outcomes in many areas. The stakes are high.

So, I'll keep looking for evidence of a shift in the way the UN does its visioning and strategic planning, as you suggested.

In the meantime, how can we use a Future Back approach in an online forum like this one? Could we (in this forum) assess the tradeoffs to meet goals like NetZero 2050, and speak to the hard decisions which confront the world at this time for this particular aspiration?

I suggest that such a discussion would take us closer to on-the-ground reality faced by countries, especially those who are operating with limited budgets.

Best,

Francis

I completely agree with the power of simplicity in communications. Some of the most successful brands are successful precisely because of a simple, powerful message that resonates. At the same time, sustainable development is complex and anything but straightforward. How to find the balance is important, particularly as uncertainties and complexities become compounded.

Points well-taken on the need to break down silos, which I would consider in the context of question 3 on how we can work better together on systems change. Some of the insights on integrating various initiatives reminds me of some of the on-going work on shifting from projects to portfolios. Would be great to get the views of others, especially those outside of the organization, on the idea of moving towards fewer, more integrated portfolios, and what they should include, or not.  

I sense everyone here is working either directly or indirectly with the UNDP, I'm just an interested civilian 😁 - studying strategic foresight and super interested in this space - so thanks for making this open to everyone to contribute.

Question : How do we work better to promote systems change?

One of the challenges I think . . is the way our own worldviews continue to shape, prescribe + reinforce our ways of being in the world, Which in turn shapes our ideas about reality, how we structure and frame possible pathways, and our ability to think about what might be possible.

I’m exploring Participatory / Transition Design at the moment (I'm definitely no expert) and how it intersects with more traditional civic futures work - the way in which it could potentially support the co-creation and envisioning of multiple futures (with all the usual futures / foresight research chains of custody + systems mapping), to establish actionable steps both long and shorter-term.

What I really like is Transition Design's inclusion of mindset and posture, which aligns with pluriversal thinking (à la Arturo Escobar) and the way it could be used to scaffold a structured / adaptable process for community-led transformation. A few of us have been working on an idea as part of a UH Strategic Foresight Masters Project -  to explore what it might look like to operationalise some of the ideas in Transition Design + Pluriversal Design as a kind of larger scale participatory framework / tool for groups to use themselves. Early days but I think it's an interesting area that might feed into / contribute to systems change thinking, especially for community-led futures where localised knowledge, insights and development are critical parts of the process. It could potentially . . 

• Support the development of Localised Bottomup Futures Work:  Potentially providing a framework that teams could utilise to champion localised, strategic futures and backcast planning pathways in different regions.
   
• Support Community Co-design: Engage communities in imagining their futures and work with them to develop locally relevant, culturally resonant solutions.

I know you're doing a lot of great foresight work already, I think both these emerging areas (TD + pluriversal futures) offer useful builds on systems change through community / bottom up co-creation and the cultivating of an ‘ecology’ of solutions that could map at different altitudes across different time scales.

Hello, everyone!

I have been a UNDP Futures Fellow in the past and I have the Strategy and Futures team in my heart! I am an engineer and a scientist and I have been working in applying strategic foresight to new and emerging science and technology. This explains my suggestions!

1. From your perspective, what are the top emerging issues that could have a major impact on people and planet, that we don’t know enough about?

- The intensification and diversification of activities in outer space have a major developmental aspect, both in terms of benefit-sharing, and in terms of the (non-)inclusion of plural voices in the governance of such activities. One activity that is of major importance and could heavily impact institutions with significant consequences for development is astrobiology, in particular the search for life beyond Earth. The intensified and diversified activities in outer space increase the likelihood of an accidental detection of life in space, besides the intentional searches. Contrary to what people may think, there is currently no legally-binding framework or even an international soft law for handling a positive detection, which makes such a detection not just a wildcard event but a systemic liability.

2. What do you think are critical long-term shifts that UNDP should work towards?

- Further integration and coordination not only with other UN agencies but also with external scientific bodies, like the ISC, to organically consider the impacts of new and emerging science and technology to development. Access to science and technology are of crucial importance for development, so any such step to engage with international scientific bodies would be highly beneficial. The UN system is focused a lot on AI, which is understandable as a reaction to its growth, but this is not the only or even the most disruptive technology that needs to be monitored. Efforts must be made to include even the basic sciences that do not have immediate every day applications, as they can produce findings of existential importance that need some pro-active management to prevent societal disruption, otherwise they will remain blind spots.

3. How do we work better to promote systems change? What key changes does UNDP need to make to become more effective?

- I believe that it would be good to make room for a science and technology team within the UNDP organizational chart. I know that UNESCO does have such a leg, but it's not enough, because UNESCO's reach and remit is limited. A UNDP science and technology team could prudently assess the impacts of new scientific and technological developments on development and make appropriate suggestions to the country offices, especially by collaborating with the Strategy and Futures team and the various UNDP COPs.

Thank you for these insightful responses to all three questions. I particularly appreciate that, with regards to critical long-term shifts (Q2), it has been suggested to not only focus on AI but also on other scientific advancements that could have profound impacts on development.

Ref Q1, the insights shared on the implications of intensified space activities and astrobiology are thought-provoking. I would link this to the work UNDP does on governance, in space exploration. While not directly involved in space governance, UNDP's advocacy for sustainable development would extend also to the responsible use of all technologies, including those related to space exploration.

It's exciting to see ideas coming that emphasize support for localized, bottom-up futures work and community co-design. A lot here to chew on already. Looking forward to more as we get closer to the end of the week and half-way through this month-long consultation.

Thanks everyone! Looking forward to more 'outside' expertise.

Janil

Thank you for inviting me in this rich debate. I would like to provide my two cents (a bit in a rush while traveling) on some priorities that can be decline for both the long and shorter term.

The first is the centrality of governance and accountable institutions in a polarized world, where UNDP can play a role at global, regional, national, and local level. The need to promote governance mechanisms that are conducive to identify compromise between apparently irreconcilable interests and principles. Agile and responsive institutions, capable to understand the evolving needs and challenges to which societies are exposed, and capacitated with the tools and skills to anticipate, not only react, and to protect the wellbeing of future generations without jeopardizing the wellbeing of the current ones.

Maximize UNDP capacity to deploy integrated solutions. The solutions to today's development challenges are not found in silos, but through multidisciplinary dialogues that engage diverse typologies of actors. While uncertainty and unpredictability are on the rise, we can clearly see how environmental transformations and the rapid evolution of digital applications (and their related disruptions) will impact our lives, and they will do so in interconnected ways, carrying interconnected challenges and opportunities. The ultimate societal impact of these changes is neither predetermined nor intrinsically benign or tragically dystopian. It will be the product of concrete choices, negotiations, a deep understanding of what is at stake, and unavoidable mistakes that will have to be acknowledged to become lessons learned. All sectors in society need to have a say and participate in the deployment of a new generation of development solutions and to do so they'll have to be equipped with adequate knowledge, information, and platforms to engage. UNDP, with its longstanding experience in people-centred, multidisciplinary thought leadership is well placed to position as one of those platforms.

The UNDP should concentrate on 3-4 key areas and specific sectors that can significantly drive global development and enhance strategic planning for territorial growth. Currently, over 70-80% of people in developing countries earn $100-200 per month through physical labor. For instance, a laborer might save for a year to buy a smartphone for their children, hoping it will aid their education. However, children often end up using these devices for games, which can harm their health and waste valuable time.

To address this, the UNDP can support these populations by creating educational platforms offering lessons in mathematics, chemistry, digital technologies, and English, utilizing AI and digital innovation. In many developing countries, 1-5% of wealthy individuals monopolize economic sectors, further impoverishing the general population. The UNDP can assist by setting limits on billionaire wealth, privatizing the public sector, increasing rural autonomy (allocating 80% of the budget to local authorities), and fostering small businesses that contribute to a digital and green economy.

If these urgent issues are not addressed, UNDP's efforts in government functions, digital governance, information integrity, anti-corruption, climate change, ecology, gender equality, and poverty reduction will be ineffective and merely superficial. Election results in the US and other countries highlight the need to elevate the fundamental and technical education of all societal segments, not just the elite. Monopolistic companies and state capitalist leaders can easily manipulate democratic governance for their benefit.

The UNDP's goal should be proactive and preventive, ensuring developing countries become leaders rather than perpetually lagging behind more developed nations. This involves investing in the foundation of a digital and green economy by providing universal kindergarten and preschool education and access to natural, chemical-free food. Such initiatives will ensure schoolchildren fully grasp their lessons, paving the way for a generation of highly qualified technical specialists essential for a digital and green economy.

Hello everyone, 

Thank you all for the insightful and thought-provoking contributions this past week. Hard to believe we are already halfway through the month. Wow! Here’s a summary from the week that just ended:

Waleed Sadek emphasized the importance of prioritizing resilience, inclusive governance, and sustainable economic transformation, particularly through climate resilience and adaptation. Francis Wade suggested adopting a "Future-Back" approach, starting with a long-term vision and working backwards to develop a detailed strategy.

Thanks to Milica Begovic highlighted UNDP's evolving role in supporting complex, multi-dimensional policy issues and the high demand for practical tools that combine technical expertise with addressing intangibles like trust and happiness. John V Willshire and Jordanna Tennebaum touched on the importance of visualizing SDG clusters to promote systems change and support localized, strategic futures and community co-design.

Jen Stumbles, studying strategic foresight, shared insights on promoting systems change. She emphasized how our worldviews shape our reality and influence our thinking. Participatory/Transition Design to support co-creation and envisioning of multiple futures was spotlighted. This approach could help develop localized, bottom-up futures work and engage communities in creating culturally resonant solutions (our futures colleagues are taking note).

Kamal Raj Sigdel advocated for simplifying UNDP's approach by focusing on one priority to effectively implement the portfolio approach. George Profitiliotis suggested integrating a science and technology team within UNDP to assess the impacts of new scientific and technological developments. Paola Pagliani highlighted the need for agile and responsive institutions that can anticipate and address evolving societal challenges. She also pointed to the importance of UNDP’s integrator role.

We welcome more comments and insights next week. And be sure to catch the CSO event on Tuesday, 19th Nov. Details on the events tab here!

Best,

Janil

Many thanks for creating this space for us to contribute insights that might help shape the next three years of UNDP's strategy. I've enjoyed reading the discussion among colleagues and echo much of what has been said on AI, the digital divide, and the importance of empowering local actors.

Rather than reiterating these crucial points, I’d like to highlight a few additional areas that, from my perspective, warrant closer attention. As someone relatively new to the development sector but who has spent the past two years engaging extensively with civil society organizations and analyzing emerging trends with potential impacts over the next 5–7 years, here’s what I believe UNDP should focus on:

• Shifting socio-political values (globally) : Around the world, we are witnessing significant shifts in values and attitudes toward governance, democracy, and equity. These shifts are influencing everything from how people engage with institutions to the rise of populist or nationalist movements, often fueled by disinformation and declining trust in traditional systems. Navigating these dynamics will require UNDP to engage deeply with emerging social movements while fostering trust in inclusive governance systems.
• Climate apathy and inaction: Despite the urgent need for action, we are seeing waning political will to address climate change, as exemplified by the notable absence of key leaders at this year’s COP 29. However, this apathy is not limited to political leaders. Increasingly, segments of the public—particularly disenfranchised youth in parts of the world—are becoming disillusioned with climate change discourse. For many young people, especially in regions most affected by climate impacts, the promise of global climate action feels hollow. Decades of pledges have yielded insufficient tangible results, eroding trust in international processes like COP and fostering skepticism about their ability to drive real change. Participation at this year’s COP dropped by 15,000, possibly underscoring a growing disconnect. The gap between ambitious rhetoric and the lived realities of floods, droughts, food insecurity, and forced migration is leaving many feeling alienated and disempowered.
• Migration and challenges in managing diversity: Increasing migration flows, driven by conflict, economic instability, climate change, and violence, will pose major challenges for host societies. As these societies grapple with integration, migrants will face heightened stigmatization and vulnerability. Public attitudes in many countries are shifting due to economic pressures, leading to reduced support for international development initiatives. How we communicate about migration will need to change, approaching it as an opportunity for mutual benefit rather than a challenge to be managed. 
• Declining Official Development Assistance (ODA) contributions: Shrinking ODA budgets, with France being the latest to announce cuts of up to 12%, threaten to have profound impacts on Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Growing economic pressures in donor countries risk further shifting funding priorities inward, leaving LDCs without the resources needed to address critical development challenges. UNDP must advocate for innovative financing mechanisms to complement traditional ODA, ensuring that development progress in vulnerable regions is not derailed.

I’m sure most, if not all, of these are on UNDP’s radar, but I want to emphasize the interconnected nature of these challenges. Addressing them in silos will not be enough; instead, integrated thinking and approaches that recognize their overlaps and interdependencies will be crucial. 

Dear @Alberto Cottica,

Thank you indeed, for your thoughtful response. really appreciate, how you brought the Green New Deal into the conversation. it’s captures many of the priorities we both seem to agree on.

No doubt, a Great name. Any generic name is also fine, as long as it does not exclude most pressing dev needs/issues of that particular time/space (agreeing that how we define dev. will certainly keep evolving). If we go after name, others could demand: why not go for "Inclusive, green deal"? So, why not just 'climate resilience that leads to inclusive economic development ensuring integrity and transparency.' :- 

Simplicity could mean: not to get lost in the funhouse of finding a 'perfect' name, after having experimented with a few of them already. More rewarding is to focus on the end results.

It shouldn't be a problem, if we call it a 'Green Deal', "Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Deal (GRID)" (as adopted by the World Bank and IMF in Nepal), SDGs, or simply "resilient development." Or just a unique number 1945 - if that helps put into practice the idea of portfolio approach. 

An approach, that promotes "development" that is resilient, inclusive, corruption-free, environmentally friendly, durable, smart, sustainable, gender-transformative, disability-inclusive, community-led, innovative, (and more--if I’ve missed any). 

Your framing of the Deal does help simplify, especially with its emphasis on solidarity and shared responsibility. And, to make it simple, it is more rewarding to trust the people/staff, than the system or say framework or extra layers, that sometimes could be an overkill and lead to the funhouse analogy.

By answering the three above  Questions, I have made the following points;

CONTEXT

From your perspective, what are the top emerging issue that could have a major impact on people and planet, that we don’t know enough about?

1. Climate change and adaptations

Climate Adaptation & its Risk Mitigation: I do believe the most important and impactful is climate change and its mitigations. We know some climate changes and we have developed a possible mitigation to prevent a climate change catastrophe. In the recent studies that we have passed the climate change level to climate change adaptations. Based on that we know a few emerging locally developed climate change adaptation plans.

Why it matters: While the broader climate crisis is well-known, the threshold dynamics of these tipping points remain understudied, making mitigation strategies and adaptation harder to plan. At this level, we should have specific areas climate forecast to develop equivalent adaptation plans to avoid unforecasted natural disasters around the globe. This shows the limited knowledge we have on climate change and natural disasters which occurring more frequently and more impactful.

2. Artificial Intelligence and it's Capabilities

We are undeniably in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), where transformative technologies are reshaping industries and society on a global scale. By applying the signals of change scanning methodology, I conclude that AI, Robotics, and ML would be an emerging force of change and practices globally and would impact our lives and beyond. From ChatGPT to robotics and machine learning such as Sophia (Sophia is a realistic humanoid robot capable of displaying humanlike expressions and interacting with people. It's designed for research, education, and entertainment, and helps promote public discussion about AI ethics and the future of robotics). The use of AI, robotics, and machine learning will have both negative and positive impacts on human lives, but with intensive planning and design can be used in a positive matter.

What WE DO

In your view, what are the most important long-term challenges that UNDP should focus on?

Here are some of the long-term challenges that UNDP should focus on.

Development and Adapting a Youth Marker-  UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth Peace and Security Urges Member States to consider ways to increase inclusive representation of youth in decision-making at all levels in local, national, regional, and international institutions. Today 1.2 billion young people aged 15-24 years, occupying 16% of the global population, and the majority of them are marginalized due to several reasons (lack of education, health, security, economic opportunity, unemployment, age limitation).  I am hereby suggesting that UNDP Global develop and adopt a youth marker the same as the gender, which is recognizing global youth as partners instead of beneficiaries and increasing youth budgeting in our programming.  This will be beneficial for both global youth and UNDP and create strong space for UNDP COs to advocate for the youth market at their respective host countries and create national youth funding to catalyze youth capacity development/empowerment and advocate the UNDP theme/slogan of “LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND”. I do believe UNDP in partnership with hosting countries collaborates on youth-centered programming, whereby youth are considered as partners, not as beneficiaries, and consulted on programme designing and implementation. If UNDP develops and adapts a youth marker same as the gender market, it will increase UNDP youth engagement globally.

Global Systems Digitalization- Currently every UNDP CO is working on digitalization at their respective countries. Therefore, supporting our respective host countries to develop digital systems would be significant. Since UNDP Global has the technical capacity and experience to support host countries develop a digital system/tool and building ICT infrastructure. UNDP can support/partner with our respective host countries on the following digital systems.

• Digital Governance and Public Services (Strengthen digital government systems to improve the accessibility, transparency, and efficiency of public services).
• Digital Economy and Innovation (Foster inclusive economic growth by promoting digital entrepreneurship and creating jobs in the digital economy)
• Resilience Through Digital Solutions (Enhance disaster preparedness and response through technology).
• Data-Driven Development (Use advanced analytics and data platforms to inform policy-making and measure progress on the global SDGs).

HOW WE WORK

How could we work better together to promote Systems Change?

I do believe UNDP Global is working together to promote a systems change/transformation, yet there is potential to strengthen these efforts further. To enhance our impact on systems change we can focus on improving information and knowledge-sharing mechanisms to promote the exchange of best practices across regions, COs, and globally. By adopting a holistic and integrated approach to program design, we can address interconnected systemic challenges effectively. Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability is critical, allowing room for reflection and iteration within our programming. Finally, deploying foresight design thinking, tools, and other innovative tools will enable us to anticipate future trends, and co-create innovative solutions that will support UNDP  achieve beyond indicators and results. 

Here is what i think at this moment: 

1) What are the top emerging issues that could have impact on people and planet, that we don’t know enough about.

- For us, it's "rising inequalities" (due to climate crisis, profit-driven ai, digital divide, lack of global governance, injustice, discrimination, absence of shared values, weak monitoring-RBM ....  etc).

2) What are the most imp long-term issues UNDP should focus on?

- Addressing inequalities.

3) How could we [UNDP] work better together to promote systems change?

- Identify our strength and build on it. Make it simple. -- (Many imp. actions that could be taken to reduce inequality may fall outside our mandate/capacity, but we can certainly contribute to, or advocate for them. Given the nature of our org, UNDP cannot be expected to perform like a contractor - one who should [or has capacity to] do everything [eg build 1,000 houses overnight] and handover a finished product to governments. We are a knowledge-based organization, which uniquely positions us as one of the most suitable, go-to organizations for any advice on development. Let's focus on that. Let's organize our knowledge, archive it, and build a strong institutional memory [gold mine] that can speak of 6+ decades of experience from across 170+ countries. And of course, AI can make it possible... This means, we will not always re-invent the wheel. Integrated programming would be less complicated. We can certainly continue to implement some catalytic pilot projects, and continue to build on the knowledge-base to refine our answers and provide best solutions to address the said "inequalities". Knowledge [network] is our forte. Our strength is to integrate all sectors (CC, DRR, inclusion, governance, innovation. etc), lets focus on achieving (starting from our own portfolios, with unfailing excellence). And promote AI with ethics). 

Dear All,

It’s my turn to take on the role as a moderator for this week’s consultation on UNDP’s new Strategic Plan, and I really look forward to interacting with you all! This consultation is a space dedicated to you, as experts, partners, and friends of sustainable development, to share your thoughts on how we as UNDP can better understand and shape our work in years to come.

In the last two weeks, participants have shared insightful reflections on the three guiding questions, ranging from operational aspects such as the value of working through a genuine partnership approach, to technical and thematic issues such as prioritizing resilience, inclusive governance, and a sustainable economic transformation.

Please, keep bringing your best ideas to this discussion – we value and need your advice!

All the best,

Maja

In term of thinking about the second question, what are the most important long term changes that UNDP should focus on it?

The Key Long-Term Changes UNDP Should Focus On:

1. Localized Development Solutions with Global Impact:
   Shift focus towards empowering local communities to lead development efforts while leveraging global expertise and resources. By investing in decentralized systems and building the capacity of local actors, we can foster sustainable, context-specific solutions that are owned and driven by the communities themselves.

2. Mainstreaming Circular Economies:
   Transitioning economies toward circular models, where resources are reused, recycled, and regenerated, can drive sustainable economic growth while reducing environmental impact. UNDP can take a lead role in integrating circular economy principles into national policies and supporting innovations that bridge environmental and economic objectives.

3. Climate-Smart Conflict Prevention:
   With climate change increasingly acting as a multiplier of conflict, prioritize integrated programs addressing resource scarcity, migration, and climate resilience to reduce tensions and promote peace. Linking climate adaptation strategies with governance and social cohesion efforts can transform potential flashpoints into opportunities for collaboration.

4. Digital Inclusion for Vulnerable Populations:
   Focus on bridging the digital divide for vulnerable populations such as women, youth, and displaced communities. UNDP can work to make digital tools accessible, affordable, and user-friendly, enabling these groups to access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

5. Resilience Hubs for Integrated Crisis Response:
   Establish "resilience hubs" in high-risk areas prone to crises (climate-related, economic, or political). These hubs could offer a blend of services, from rapid emergency response and capacity-building for disaster preparedness to sustainable development support, ensuring communities are equipped to recover and thrive.

6. Redefining Metrics of Success:
   Move beyond traditional economic indicators like GDP to embrace well-being, environmental health, and social equity as core metrics of development. UNDP can advocate for and support governments in adopting alternative frameworks such as the Gross National Happiness (GNH) or Doughnut Economics model.

7. Youth-Driven Development Initiatives
   Engage youth not just as beneficiaries but as active leaders in shaping their future. Establish programs that channel their innovation and energy into solving development challenges, offering seed funding and mentorship for their ideas.

These approaches are actionable, and have the potential to create significant, lasting impact. By focusing on these areas, UNDP can position itself as a leader in addressing the complexities of sustainable development in an ever-changing global landscape.

Food waste and food insecurity are two interconnected emerging issues. While millions of tons of food are wasted annually, millions of people suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Surplus food from homes, farms, and businesses often ends up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Simultaneously, vulnerable populations struggle to access nutritious meals, highlighting an urgent need for a system that bridges this gap. The UNDP can address this by prioritizing food waste reduction and redistribution in its development agenda, framing it as both a humanitarian and environmental necessity.

Sustainability food collection and redistribution system can become sustainable by fostering long-term partnerships, leveraging technology, and involving local communities. Partnerships with farmers, retailers, and restaurants ensure a steady supply of surplus food, while digital platforms streamline logistics and coordination. Financial sustainability can be achieved through revenue generation, grants, and corporate sponsorships. The UNDP can enhance these efforts by funding infrastructure, such as cold storage and transport, and by providing technical support to optimize operations. Additionally, UNDP can promote renewable energy use and low-cost solutions to minimize operational costs, ensuring the system’s efficiency and longevity.

To promote this system, community awareness and policy advocacy are crucial. Educating the public about the benefits of reducing food waste and donating surplus food can foster widespread participation. Supportive policies, such as food donation laws and government funding, provide a framework for scaling these initiatives. The UNDP can play a key role in advocating for these policies, collaborating with governments to integrate food redistribution into national social welfare programs. Through public awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives, UNDP can mobilize communities and stakeholders to support and scale food redistribution models, creating a circular system that benefits both people and the planet.

Food waste and food insecurity are two interconnected global challenges. While millions of tons of food are wasted annually, millions of people suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Surplus food from homes, farms, and businesses often ends up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Simultaneously, vulnerable populations struggle to access nutritious meals, highlighting an urgent need for a system that bridges this gap. The UNDP can address this by prioritizing food waste reduction and redistribution in its development agenda, framing it as both a humanitarian and environmental necessity.

Sustainability:

A food collection and redistribution system can become sustainable by fostering long-term partnerships, leveraging technology, and involving local communities. Partnerships with farmers, retailers, and restaurants ensure a steady supply of surplus food, while digital platforms streamline logistics and coordination. Financial sustainability can be achieved through revenue generation, grants, and corporate sponsorships. The UNDP can enhance these efforts by funding infrastructure, such as cold storage and transport, and by providing technical support to optimize operations. Additionally, UNDP can promote renewable energy use and low-cost solutions to minimize operational costs, ensuring the system’s efficiency and longevity.

Promoting System Change:

To promote this system, community awareness and policy advocacy are crucial. Educating the public about the benefits of reducing food waste and donating surplus food can foster widespread participation. Supportive policies, such as food donation laws and government funding, provide a framework for scaling these initiatives. The UNDP can play a key role in advocating for these policies, collaborating with governments to integrate food redistribution into national social welfare programs. Through public awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives, UNDP can mobilize communities and stakeholders to support and scale food redistribution models, creating a circular system that benefits both people and the planet.

First, the top 3 key issues that should be addressed and elaborated further in the upcoming strategic plan are as follows:

- Catalyzing the implementation of the Pact for the Future, Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact, working with the UN Regional Commissions and partnering beyond the UN Development Group.

- Promoting the means of implementation for equitable and just energy transition, ocean-based climate action, water security, food security, and health system resilience should also be elaborated.

- Supporting the implementation of major upcoming treaties that will be adopted by the international community such as the upcoming Plastic Treaty, Pandemic Treaty.

Second, it is important for the upcoming strategic plan to also enable further ambitious programs and country projects on developing human talents, good governance, system reform, and sustainable resource management to support countries to leave the middle-income trap, de-industrialization, de-globalization, combat climate change and navigating regional developmental challenges.

Third, as youth, we should not forget the need for UNDP support to enable green and decent jobs for youth especially in global south countries.

Thank you.

Hi everyone!

Here is Nycolas, Associate Researcher at Plataforma CIPÓ. I'm thrilled to join this group and participate in such an impactful space.

Here are the elements we believe UNDP must prioritize in the 2026-2029 strategic plan:

• 2 top issues:
  • How racial diversity in leadership and staff of global institutions impact policy outcomes
  • How to intertwine the structures of financing for development with social and humanitarian concerns

• Critical long-term shifts
  • Integrate specific anti-racist and anti-racial discrimination commitments to UNDP’s ethical guidelines.
    • This should be done especially regarding:
      • UNDP’s Code of Ethics
      • UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct
      • UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards (SES)
  • Establish clear goals, targets and implementation deadlines for UNDP’s anti-racism action plan
    • Processes and results should be participatory (civil society, think tanks, academia) and transparent
    • The plan’s agenda should include a timetable for UNDP to start transparently collecting and publishing staff’s data disaggregated by race
  • Put the Global South at the center of financing policies
    • UNDP should support an inclusive and equitable reform of the international finance architecture
    • Its strategic plan should establish clear targets to enhance the role and resources of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and Public Development Banks (PDBs), along with advocating for a more strategic use of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to provide liquidity to struggling economies.
    • UNDP should incorporate gender and race perspectives into its actions on finance, advocating for greater representation in financial institutions and policies centered on income generation for grassroots peoples and movements

• Systems change
  • UNDP should partner with civil society organizations and think tanks as hubs for monitoring and improving its strategic actions
  • UNDP must lead change in the UN system by example, demonstrating the planning, evidence base and participatory lenses of its actions for inclusion and equity, as these are the factors most lacking in the current transformative efforts of the UN.

Context
I believe the most significant contextual trend is that of worsening polycrisis; we will miss the 1.5 degree target (likely by quite a lot), we live in an increasingly geopolitically unstable international order, macroeconomic shocks are becoming more frequent and all of these factors are already and will continue to interact in ways which create an increasingly difficult and unforgiving operating environment for the UNDP and aligned actors. These dynamics are largely out of the control of the UNDP and in many cases (climate and ecological breakdown, and the associated instabilities this will cause) are already irreversibly locked in whatever decisions are made by other stakeholders. It would be good to see a realisitic acknowledgement that the global context will continue to severely worsen in the coming years and a strategic response which starts from this premise.

Relatedly, I want to highlight the potential approaching of climate tipping points as one example of truly catastrophic risks which may well occur this century. For example the potential for the collapse of AMOC this century is now widely acknowleged, as is far more likely collapse of its SPG sub-system. Such events would bring about crises which would make other ecological crises of the past pale in comparison, and would have the potential to render so much of the UNDP's past and present activity void. Building a realistic acknowledgement of the implications of these catastrophic risks into central strategy is in my mind essential.

What UNDP does

Development methodologies which do not reflect this context of breakdown and instability are untenable. In particular, UNDP should work far more extensively on deep transformation of our economic paradigm and systems of resource allocation. Economic dynamics underpin so much of modern societies, and they are essential to providing people with fundamentals of life. However the economics underpinning the current sustainable development paradigm is outdated in two essential ways:

1) It advances ecological destruction in a time of such massive risk that this simply cannot be afforded. To take one of the most obvious examples, economic growth is still central to so much of what the UNDP does. While growth is obviously essential for many of the poorest countries, there is now also fairly irrefutable evidence that growth is unavoidably environmentally destructive (in terms of increasing CO2 emissions and material footprint) and that new technologies are not going to change this reality any time soon. There are some efforts to look beyond the growth paradigm, and more widely to explore an economics which takes the biophysical realities of earth's planetary boundaries seriously, but these must be expanded and scaled. The alternative is the UNDP inadvertently pushes the world yet closer to tipping points from which it may not recover.

2) Even aside from its ecological impacts, the economics of the past simply doesn't work in the present. To again take the growth example, a growth based model of development assumes a relatively stable external environment where steady growth is able to be achieved and maintained over time. This simply isn't true anymore, as can be seen in Tim Jackson's plotting of global secular stagnation. As shocks and crises in the outside environment become more frequent and worse, which they will, relying on a stable growth path for development will become increasingly difficult. A similar story is true for market dominance. Relying on unabated markets for the provisioning of basically all goods and services is again simply not feasible (if it ever was) in a time of increasing supply chain shocks and inflationary crises, as we have seen recently with food staples. Exploring how to provide effectively for people's basic needs as old mechanisms for doing so break down ie sufficiency based approaches to resilience, must become far more central. This does not mean jettisoning markets of all kinds everywhere or a return to models of state planning which have also been proven ineffective, but it does mean exploring genuine alternatives to our the highly volatile and vulnerable systems of resource allocation we have now.

How UNDP works
Focus on experimentation and demonstration of what deep (particularly economic) transformation could look like. 

Hello from NGO: ADET based in Togo.

After the summit of the future, The United Nations system, Governments, the private sector must rethink the strategy plan to accelerate the SDGs and the Paris agreement implementation, as humanity faced multiplies crises: poverty, hunger, malnutrition, inequality, climate challenges, pandemic, inflation etc.. Where to start ?

 UNDP is the United Nations development projects coordinator and have responsability to youth recruitments or can give this responsability to its partners.

First :  must accelerate multilateral reforms at regional, subregional, national, subnational and local levels (put in place local multilateral development committees: technical (diagnostic, projects planification, data expert, accounting, private sector, civil society, scientific,...) and ( tradional authorities, religious autorities, local civil society, private sector, mayor) under the local governments.

Second : At local level put in place SDGs centers or civic centers  with the SDGs 3 dimensions: social, economic and environmental departments with gender, human rights, conflits résolution, Audit etc.. units:

- The social department will be for data revolution to leave no one behind,  social protection, school feeding, pandemic prevention, prepareness and response, population resiliency towards digitalisation, new social contract, trust and transparency promotion. Investing in human capital (education and health), gender equality and jobs creation for women & youth

- The economic department will be for data revolution, economic activities promotion, fight again inflation, economic resiliency, agribusiness, industries, trade, gender equality and jobs creation for women & youth

- The environmental department will be for data revolution, environmental resiliency towards renewable energy, clean cookstoves, clean transports, charging stations, smart cities, infrastructures, circular economy, trees planting, climate adaptation and mitigation and jobs creation for women & youth

UNDP can collaborate with other UN Entithies for expertise sharing.

Every citizen center must be lead by a coordinator for administration framework and rapporting 

                           Thank you

I would like to also encourage UNDP to still promote the usage of strategic foresight, it is very important amid this high disruptions and uncertain situation. UNEP itself for instance has been integrating strategic foresights on its work. 

UNDP Youth projects in each countries also must be put to a greater attention, the new strategic plan. New projects on youth in each countries should not be only about capacity building, but also rather supporting the continuity of pilot innovations and field projects that are helping the people concretely. The new strategic plan must enable UNDP synergy with the whole entities under the UN Country Team, if cross-agency collaboration is needed, it should not be impeded by bureaucratic and administrative barriers.

From your perspective, what are the top emerging issues that could have a major impact on people and

planet, that we don't know enough about?

Digital Inclusion, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their background, have access to technology and the opportunities it provides.  The significance of global inclusive leadership stems from its ability to foster diversity and inclusion, which are crucial for driving growth. By appreciating and valuing our differences, we can make use of our unique expertise, skills, and perspectives to create a positive impact.

From your perspective, what are the top emerging issues that could have a major impact on people and planet, that we don't know enough about?

Digital Inclusion, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their background, have access to technology and the opportunities it provides.  The significance of global inclusive leadership stems from its ability to foster diversity and inclusion, which are crucial for driving growth. By appreciating and valuing our differences, we can make use of our unique expertise, skills, and perspectives to create a positive impact.

We at EAF believe that Reparative Justice (RJ) offers a transformative framework for addressing historical and systemic harms inflicted on the environment, vulnerable populations, and the planet. As the UNDP seeks to enhance its impact on sustainable development and social equity, it is imperative to integrate RJ into its strategic direction. By embedding RJ principles into policy advocacy, capacity building, funding mechanisms, and collaborative partnerships, UNDP can drive meaningful restoration and reconciliation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing a just and sustainable future.

Reparative Justice is an approach that focuses on repairing the harm caused by injustices through inclusive, participatory processes involving all stakeholders. RJ emphasises healing, accountability, and the restoration of relationships. In the context of environmental degradation and social injustices, RJ seeks to address both the immediate impacts and the underlying causes of harm, promoting long-term sustainability and equity.

Historical injustices, including environmental exploitation, displacement of indigenous communities, systemic discrimination, and exploitation of natural resources, have left enduring scars on both human societies and ecosystems. These harms have exacerbated social inequalities, undermined community resilience, and contributed to environmental degradation. Addressing these multifaceted issues through reparative justice is essential for achieving holistic, sustainable development and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

A meaningful UNDP strategy should 

• Advocate for adopting reparative justice frameworks within national legal and policy systems, ensuring that historical and systemic harms are acknowledged and addressed through restorative measures.
• Promote incorporating RJ principles into international agreements and frameworks, which would reinforce global commitments to human rights, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
• Develop and implement training programs for policymakers, legal practitioners, community leaders, and development professionals on reparative justice practices and their application in various contexts.
• Provide technical assistance and resources to grassroots organisations that facilitate reparative justice processes, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to implement RJ initiatives effectively.
• Create dedicated funding mechanisms to support RJ projects focused on environmental restoration, social rehabilitation, and community reconciliation.
• Assist vulnerable communities and organizations in securing financial resources for reparative projects through grants, loans, and partnerships with financial institutions and philanthropies.
• Foster collaboration among governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society, the private sector, and affected communities to design and implement reparative justice initiatives.
• Establish forums, workshops, and digital platforms where practitioners and policymakers can share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to reparative justice.
• Implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the impact and effectiveness of reparative justice initiatives, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
• Compile case studies, reports, and research findings to inform future reparative justice efforts and contribute to the global knowledge base.
• Initiate and support projects to restore degraded environments, ensuring that restoration efforts are inclusive and beneficial to affected communities.
• Advocate for and support adopting sustainable practices that prevent future environmental harm and support the livelihoods of marginalised populations.
• Implement programs that provide social support, economic opportunities, and educational resources to communities historically disadvantaged by environmental and social injustices.
• Strengthen the ability of vulnerable populations to adapt to environmental changes and recover from socio-economic disruptions through targeted resilience-building initiatives.

As someone who leads the Green Disability initiative, I bring a unique viewpoint that centers on the intersection of disability rights and climate action.

Our vision at Green Disability is simple yet powerful: Accessibility and sustainability are not separate goals; they are interconnected. There can be no climate justice without disability justice. The reality is that people with disabilities, who represent a significant portion of the global population, are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. Whether it’s due to extreme weather events, lack of accessible infrastructure, or the exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions, the impact on disabled communities often goes unaddressed in climate discourse.

For the next UNDP Strategic Plan, I believe it is essential to integrate this inclusive lens into the broader development agenda. This means prioritizing solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also promote accessibility, equity, and social inclusion for all. By addressing the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities, especially persons with disabilities, we can create a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.

As we shape the next chapter of development, it is critical that we listen to and incorporate the voices of those who are often overlooked. Through collaborations, innovative policies, and community-driven approaches, we can build a future where the development and climate agendas are inclusive, adaptable, and grounded in the realities of all people.

Hello everyone, thinking in the guiding questions:

Some emerging issues (sorry if cross posting):

• Digital Divide and Inequality

While the UNDP is likely aware of the digital divide, the rapid advancement of technology and AI risks exacerbating existing inequalities. These disparities include unequal access to information, education, and economic opportunities, as well as ethical concerns related to AI, such as potential biases and discriminatory outcomes. Addressing these challenges will require proactive measures to ensure inclusivity in digital transformation.

• Mental Health and Well-being

The fast-paced nature of modern life, coupled with increasing social isolation and anxiety related to climate change, is taking a serious toll on global mental health. Addressing this complex and multifaceted issue may exceed the traditional scope and expertise of the UNDP, yet neglecting it could lead to profound social and economic repercussions. Collaborative efforts across sectors are essential to integrate mental health into development agendas effectively.

• Microplastics and Nanoplastics

The pervasive spread of microplastics and nanoplastics poses a growing threat to ecosystems and human health, with many of their long-term effects still poorly understood. Tackling this issue will demand intensified research and enhanced international collaboration to develop effective strategies for monitoring, prevention, and mitigation.

Connected with this issues, about long term focus:

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The UNDP remains essential in assisting countries to achieve the SDGs, which serve as a comprehensive blueprint for addressing critical global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. By fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources, the UNDP can help accelerate progress toward these interconnected goals.

• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

The UNDP should continue to lead global efforts to combat climate change by supporting countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to its impacts. This includes scaling up renewable energy initiatives, advancing sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering the development of climate-resilient infrastructure to safeguard communities and ecosystems.

• Inclusive Development

Promoting inclusive development is vital to ensuring that no one is left behind. The UNDP should prioritize strategies that enable all individuals—regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or other factors—to share in the benefits of economic growth and social progress. Targeted initiatives are needed to reduce inequalities and empower marginalized groups.

• Innovation and Technology (connected with Digital Divide and Inequality issue)

Harnessing innovation and technology is key to addressing complex development challenges. The UNDP should champion the use of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to enhance service delivery, drive sustainable development, and improve the quality of life for people worldwide.

• Governance and Peacebuilding

Strengthening governance and promoting peacebuilding efforts remain central to the UNDP’s mission. This involves supporting democratic institutions, fostering citizen participation, and advocating for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. These measures are essential for building resilient societies and preventing conflict.

• Human Development (connected with Mental Health and Well-being issue)

Human development should remain at the core of the UNDP’s agenda. This includes improving access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection systems. By investing in people’s skills and capabilities, the UNDP can empower individuals to lead productive, fulfilling lives and contribute to sustainable development.

For the last question about system changes, there are a lot of thinks that UNDP already is doing, but take those strategies broadly could have better impact in the long term. Some are:

• Strengthen Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
  • Foster cross-functional teams: Encourage collaboration among staff across departments and regions to share expertise and design integrated solutions.
  • Establish knowledge-sharing platforms: Create dynamic platforms for staff to exchange experiences, lessons learned, and best practices.
  • Invest in capacity building: Offer targeted training and professional development to equip staff with the skills necessary to navigate complexity and drive systemic change.
• Adopt a Systems Thinking Approach
  • Identify systemic issues: Address the root causes of problems rather than merely treating their symptoms.
  • Map system dynamics: Analyze the relationships among actors and factors within a system to anticipate unintended consequences and refine interventions.
  • Engage diverse stakeholders: Involve government officials, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and other key stakeholders in collaborative decision-making processes.
• Leverage Data and Technology
  • Utilize data analytics: Harness data to identify trends, uncover patterns, and pinpoint opportunities for impactful interventions.
  • Invest in digital tools: Deploy digital technologies to enhance collaboration, streamline knowledge sharing, and improve monitoring and evaluation efforts.
  • Promote innovation: Foster a culture of experimentation and encourage the use of innovative approaches to address complex challenges.
• Focus on Long-Term Impact
  • Set ambitious goals: Define clear, measurable, and bold objectives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Monitor and evaluate progress: Continuously assess the outcomes of initiatives, using feedback to adapt and optimize interventions.
  • Build partnerships: Collaborate with other organizations to pool resources, share expertise, and amplify impact.
• Empower Local Communities
  • Support local leadership: Enable communities to lead their own development by providing resources and decision-making authority.
  • Build local capacity: Strengthen the capabilities of local organizations to implement and sustain solutions tailored to their contexts.
  • Prioritize equity and inclusion: Ensure marginalized groups have a voice in decision-making and access to the benefits of development initiatives.

Thank you for providing this opportunity.

Regarding the first question, I believe the most urgent emerging issue is the climate crisis and its rapidly worsening effects. This existential challenge demands not only adaptation but, more importantly: a fundamental transformation of the societal and economic systems and structures underpinning human activity... at an unprecedented pace. Recent events, such as the devastating effects of climate change in Valencia, Spain, highlight its impact. However, the consequences of climate change are not and will not be felt equally. The most vulnerable groups, particularly in the Global South, are bearing the greatest costs and suffering the most severe consequences, and have less access to economic or technical resources.

Another pressing issue is the rise of extreme right-wing parties and populist movements across the world. These movements have thrived on polarising narratives rooted in fear and misinformation, appealing to people who feel excluded or harmed by existing political and economic systems that have failed to address complex realities. Given the global influence of the United States, the potential return of Trump to power could have major disruptive effects on critical global issues, from worsening humanitarian crises through harsh migration policies to undermining climate action, by withdrawing again from the Paris Agreement.

The weakening of legitimate and effective multilateral institutions exacerbates these challenges. The United Nations does not respond to the current challenges and international forums like the COPs on Climate and Biodiversity are incapable of delivering timely and meaningful solutions. These institutions must be reimagined and redesigned to meet today’s realities and tackle the global policrises with urgency and fairness.

Bonsoir tout le monde 👋, 

Pour ma part je vais tenter de répondre à la question 1. 

1. De votre point de vue, quels sont les principaux problèmes émergents qui pourraient avoir un impact majeur sur les personnes et la planète, et sur lesquels nous ne sommes pas suffisamment informés

On constate de nos jours la problématique de la gestion des déchets liquides et solides dans les grandes villes des pays en développement tout comme dans les villes moyennes. Du fait de l'urbanisation rapide, l'augmentation de la classe moyenne, l'évolution des habitudes de consommation. Les déchets sont vus un peu partout dans les rues de nos villes causantes d'énormes difficultés aux autorités et aux populations. Ils contribuent souvent à la contamination par des germes hautement pathogènes, les insectes nuisibles trouvent un terrain favorable à leur reproduction. Il faut mettre en place une stratégie et un système efficace, durable de la gestion des déchets liquides et solides, dont l'accompagnement des jeunes dans le recyclage. 

Hello Everyone, great insights been provided by you all. Adding on to it;

1. Top emerging issues that could have impact on people and planet;

"Re-centralization" instead of decentralisation; with the aim of bringing development close to people and ensuring participation, fulfilling socio-economic right and promoting community led development, decentralisation was birthed. However, decentralisation is gradually shifting to centralisation as the provision of basic services such as health, education, water and sanitation have major influence by central government especially in sub-saharan Africa. From political decentralisation to administrative to fiscal decentralisation are all being re-centralized" defeating the initial objective. Even when it comes to climate actions, SDG implementation and monitoring, inequality, among others, focus is on central government with little  attention to local government. 

Urban Sprawl/Mass Migration emanating from infrastructure inequality;

Infrastructure inequality between rural and urban centres is contributing to urbanisation. Most infrastructure developments are centred to urban areas with governments forgetting that equal infrastructure distribution reduces peoples drive to migrate. Even more, the infrastructure provided and urban designs are still not climate and gender responsive which is likely to increase climate hazards such as flooding , urban heat island, etc pushing people into vulnerability.

 Extinction of legacy data;

Nature-based solutions to climate change for instance, emanates from traditional practices. This shows the relevance of traditional and or socio-cultural data.Hence the need to build a legacy data hub that has these valuable data including intergenerational data/knowlegde management in this fast-growing AI world. 

2. Critical Long-Term Shift that UNDP Should work on;

I) Focusing on local governance, localising the implementation of SDGs, measuring inequality at the community or municipality levels as done for the multidimensional poverty index.

ii) Focus on governments providing climate and gender response urban designs and equal infrastructure provisions between rural, peri-urban and urban. 

iii) Building of global legacy data hub to accommodate generational, historical, tradition and current data of any form.

3. How UNDP can work better to promote system change and more effective;

UNDP should make conscious effort to bring transformative development to the citizens themselves. that means implementing directly with communities instead of through central government. Working more with Community based organisations instead of international NGOs. 

To empower women and youth economically, ensuring their active participation in the workforce and access to inclusive social protection systems, while accelerating post-war recovery in affected regions.

Strategic Goals

1. Enhance Economic Empowerment of Women

   • Actions:
     • Implement targeted programs to address barriers to women’s economic participation, such as unpaid caregiving and social norms.
     • Launch financial literacy and entrepreneurship training tailored for women, particularly in post-conflict settings.

2. Promote Youth Employment and Skills Development

   • Actions:
     • Expand apprenticeship and vocational training programs in partnership with employers to create job opportunities for youth.
     • Provide digital skills training to prepare youth for the evolving job market, focusing on sectors critical for recovery.

3. Strengthen Social Protection Systems

   • Actions:
     • Advocate for gender-responsive policies in social protection programs to support women and youth in post-war recovery.
     • Expand access to social safety nets, including childcare and health services, to help rebuild communities.

4. Foster Partnerships and Collaboration

   • Actions:
     • Engage with civil society, private sector, and international partners to share best practices and resources for recovery.
     • Establish platforms for multi-stakeholder dialogue on economic inclusion and recovery efforts.

Implementation Framework

• Year 1: Assess barriers to women’s and youth employment in post-war contexts; launch pilot programs focused on recovery.
• Year 2: Scale successful pilots; advocate for gender-responsive policies that support recovery.
• Year 3: Monitor and evaluate program impacts; adjust strategies based on feedback and data.
• Year 4: Consolidate gains and advocate for sustained investment in empowerment and recovery initiatives.

Conclusion

By focusing on the economic empowerment of women and youth, strengthening social protection, and fostering collaboration, UNDP can effectively address development challenges, accelerate post-war recovery, and promote inclusive growth for a sustainable future.

Hello,Maja!

To empower women and youth economically, ensuring their active participation in the workforce and access to inclusive social protection systems, while accelerating post-war recovery in affected regions.

Strategic Goals

1. Enhance Economic Empowerment of Women

   • Actions:
     • Implement targeted programs to address barriers to women’s economic participation, such as unpaid caregiving and social norms.
     • Launch financial literacy and entrepreneurship training tailored for women, particularly in post-conflict settings.

2. Promote Youth Employment and Skills Development

   • Actions:
     • Expand apprenticeship and vocational training programs in partnership with employers to create job opportunities for youth.
     • Provide digital skills training to prepare youth for the evolving job market, focusing on sectors critical for recovery.

3. Strengthen Social Protection Systems

   • Actions:
     • Advocate for gender-responsive policies in social protection programs to support women and youth in post-war recovery.
     • Expand access to social safety nets, including childcare and health services, to help rebuild communities.

4. Foster Partnerships and Collaboration

   • Actions:
     • Engage with civil society, private sector, and international partners to share best practices and resources for recovery.
     • Establish platforms for multi-stakeholder dialogue on economic inclusion and recovery efforts.

Implementation Framework

• Year 1: Assess barriers to women’s and youth employment in post-war contexts; launch pilot programs focused on recovery.
• Year 2: Scale successful pilots; advocate for gender-responsive policies that support recovery.
• Year 3: Monitor and evaluate program impacts; adjust strategies based on feedback and data.
• Year 4: Consolidate gains and advocate for sustained investment in empowerment and recovery initiatives.

Conclusion

By focusing on the economic empowerment of women and youth, strengthening social protection, and fostering collaboration, UNDP can effectively address development challenges, accelerate post-war recovery, and promote inclusive growth for a sustainable future.

Thank you for inviting contributions on these questions. I’d like to share a few points on what we do and how we work.

The next five years may well be amongst the biggest periods of change in UNDP’s history thanks to fast progress of generative AI, the rightward shift in politics and the whittling of democratic institutions, and a possible acceleration of shrinking ODA. So this should also be one of the biggest periods of change for UNDP.

1. The most important long-term changes that UNDP should focus on in the next 5 years should be articulated as system transformations (perhaps rather than signature solutions). UNDP’s unique advantage in the UN system is its 360-degree view of what's happening in countries and relationships across multiple ministries and parts of government. How are we bringing our expertise, resources, relationships and programming not just to improve systems that are fundamentally dysfunctional but to transition them to something different? Whether it’s green transition, building opportunity economies instead of concentrated ones, etc.

If the strategy is not about taking advantage of this positioning, UNDP is punching below its weight. Multi-sectoral systems transformations provide the holistic transformation that governments and donors are increasingly asking for. They position UNDP as a strategic partner. They position UNDP to work on substantial initiatives and larger amounts of funding.

Sectoral work is becoming a sunset industry. This work is essential – but the value in multilateral cooperation is shifting towards the ability to integrate sectoral work. Nonprofits and consultancies have gotten very good at delivering on specialised sectoral work. 

The more resources we invest in purely sectoral work, the more ground we cede in our core area of advantage. The World Banks and ADBs of the world are articulating increasingly sophisticated thinking around making transitions happen. For our sectoral expertise to survive and thrive, it must be tied to system transformations and to integrated portfolios of work.

2. Over the next five years, system transformations around the green economy, the inclusive growth (opportunity?) economy, and democratic and institutional renewal. I think others might be much better positioned to formulate what these transitions are (e.g. from an extractive and centralised economy to an inclusive green economy). These are a few broad areas which will be very significant for the next five years and in which we can articualte system transformations. What’s important about these transformations is that they are defined in a way  thatbrings together different areas of work at UNDP. Building a strategy should not be a competition between everyone’s pet priorities but a finding of convergence between these different areas.

a. The just green transition. Move from extractive, carbon-intensive economies to ones that are both green and just, with strong social protections in place. A mutli-sectoral system transformation that reaches far beyond just energy.

b. Transitioning to more equitable economies and societal systems. We need economic systems that improve quality of life broadly and prevent super-concentrations of wealth and power. At its core, this is about our work in gender equality, economics, livelihoods – and bringing it together to raise the ambition and make it about transitioning away from economic systems that naturally move towards the concentration of wealth and power.

This is about to become a much more critical and urgent issue. We may not yet be at AGI, but generative AI is already faster/better at humans at a variety of tasks. We have a good number of contributions from ChatGPT in this discussion already. As businesses figure out how to use it, that has big implications both for labour and for the concentration of power. Over the next 5 years, it could decimate the BPO industry in countries like Philippines and India. The IMF is already looking at economic and labour scenarios on the future of work if we get AGI in the next 5 years, 10 years, 20 years: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2023/12/Scenario-Planning-for-an-AGI-future-Anton-korinek

c. Democratic and institutional renewal, rebuilding the social contract. The rightward shift toward authoritarian leaders stems in part from frustration with government's slowness in creating change. People want institutions that can deliver results at the speed and scale needed to deal with change in the world. Government institutions are struggling and those that can’t meet rising expectations are under threat. Also democratic institutions. We need to rethink some of our classic democratic systems and take advantage of digital transformation. Breaking the trade-off between participation and speed is essential. The more action is slowed down by participation and public input, the stronger the fan base for authoritarians. This trade-off does not need to exist. 

3. UNDP needs to invest in specific capabilities to drive system transformations. 

a. The ability to articulate systemic theories of change sets the foundation for transformation. This goes beyond designing theories of change for individual interventions. We need to understand how to change entire systems and identify truly catalytic opportunities - places where we can crowd in resources from government, private sector, and other institutions. Across the UN system, this remains a weak point - too much of our funding goes into project delivery without generating financial multiples.

b. The ability for country offices to create coherence across their work. Connecting different interventions to ensure they're working on the same system transformation and are reinforcing each other. This means moving away from loosely connected thematic buckets of work like governance or climate towards more tightly integrated portfolios.

c. Designing multi-purposed interventions. Mainstreaming hasn't worked as well as we have hoped. Installing quotas for women's participation doesn't necessarily alter power relations. We need interventions that advance multiple system transitions simultaneously – and this requires a different approach to designing proposals that is more mutlidisciplinary.

4. Actually making this possible in country offices requires a few fundamental shifts in how UNDP works.

a. Delivery primacy creates a cascade of problems through the organization. When RRs focus primarily on delivery, country offices take on work that is not coherent with strategic priorities. Staff time gets fragmented across multiple projects. People can't build the relationships or move with the agility needed to seize development opportunities and work on system transitions. Country offices forgo small, strategic investments that are highly catalytic in shifting large amounts of government resources. 

b. How we evaluate RR’s performance needs to change. Regional bureaus and HQ should give equal weight to performance (delivery) and health metrics in evaluating Resident Representatives. The private sector learned long ago that measuring CEOs purely on financial metrics leads them to run companies into the ground for short-term gains. Today, good evaluation systems for leadership look at both financial performance and organisational health. In the context of the UNDP that would mean looking at delivery and measures of the health of a country office, like the coherence of initiatives and the presence of integrated bundles of interventions aimed at shifting systems. The metrics also need to be reflected in practice. If RRs are evaluated on paper on both of these dimensions but RBs are only asking them about performance, that sends a clear signal of what really matters. As long as how we evaluate performance doesn’t change, UNDP’s own systems are working hard against a shift towards more transformational, catalytic, and strategic work.

c. Innovative internal processes and compliance to enable faster implementation and adaptive management. UNDP’s talented staff spend too much time behind screens doing project management, procurement, writing TORs, etc. instead of being in the field building coalitions and understanding stakeholder needs. While AI might create some efficiencies in this area, we need to work with donors to begin fundamentally reimagine oversight. Windows of opportunities are missed, projects are pursuing outdated goals, and smart cost-saving decisions are not taken because of an outdated approach to oversight. We need to innovate with donors to develop accountability systems that move away from rules-based compliance towards a more principles-based approach that enables adaptive management.

Dear All,

A warm thank you for all of your thoughtful generously shared input to this week’s discussion! It’s been really interesting to engage with your diverse range of insights and reflections. They will indeed be crucial for shaping our strategic plan. With the benevolent assistance AI, here are some (but not all) of the key highlights from the week:

• Shifting Socio-Political Values: Significant shifts in values and attitudes towards governance, democracy, and equity globally are influencing how people engage with institutions and the rise of populist movements.
• Climate Apathy and Inaction: There is a growing disconnect between ambitious climate rhetoric and the lived realities of those affected by climate change, leading to waning political will and public disillusionment.
• Migration and Diversity Management: Increasing migration flows pose challenges for host societies, leading to stigmatization and vulnerability of migrants. Effective communication about migration as an opportunity is needed.
• Climate Adaptation and Risk Mitigation: There is a need for locally developed climate adaptation plans to address the limited knowledge on climate change and natural disasters.
• Artificial Intelligence and Its Capabilities: AI, robotics, and machine learning are reshaping industries and society. Planning and design are needed to ensure positive impacts.
• Youth Engagement: Developing and adopting a youth marker similar to the gender marker to increase youth engagement and budgeting in programming would be valuable.
• Global Systems Digitalization: It is vital to support partner countries in developing digital systems for governance, economy, and resilience.
• Food Waste and Food Insecurity: Addressing food waste and redistribution is both a humanitarian and environmental necessity.
• Reparative Justice: We should seek to integrate reparative justice our strategies and actions, to address historical and systemic harms.

I now hand over the torch to my dear colleague Emanuele Sapienza to moderate the next and final week of this dialogue, but I'll stay engaged!

Thank you again and all the best,

Maja

1. De votre point de vue, quels sont les principaux problèmes émergents qui pourraient avoir un impact majeur sur les personnes et la planète, et sur lesquels nous ne sommes pas suffisamment informés

Accès à l'eau, abris et nourriture aux personnes déplacées. Chaque jour le nombre de victimes de guerre ou d'inondation augmente il faut assisté ces personnes par des moyens de subsistance. 

. From your perspective, what are the top emerging issues that could have a major impact on people and planet, that we don’t know enough about?

Ensuring responsible and sustainable practices for Climate Adaptation and Just Transition. When implementing solutions, ask these questions: Are you driving change by contextualizing and customizing it to the immediate needs of the people, environment and planet?

2. What do you think are critical long-term shifts that UNDP should work towards? 

The critical long-term shifts that UNDP should work towards are building human capital and skills needed for climate adaptation and just transition with the developing and industrializing countries in focus: value addition, application of new technologies, critical thinking, innovation. 

3. How do we work better to promote systems change? What key changes does UNDP need to make to become more effective?

UNDP should always take into consideration that the system change they’re promoting effectively manages risks and impacts on people, environment and planet. So much can be done for the benefit of all.

It is important for the global community and the coordination of joint efforts to pay great attention to projects promoting sustainable urban transformation of countries (including Georgia) and individual cities on issues such as sustainable development and promoting the implementation of the UN SDG 17 goals, climate change, mitigation and adaptation, sustainable resource management, digitalization of services, green mobility, waste management, renewable energies, promoting the formation of "green behaviors" of citizens, civic awareness and awareness-raising, stimulating the circular economy, testing eco-innovative ideas and transforming them into business opportunities, international study tours to capture good practices, urban training courses to raise awareness, further development of already tested interventions and raising them to a new level, etc. Because climate change and the reduction of risks caused by it are the basis for further development, universal well-being, and the survival of the planet. Kutaisi Municipality (Georgia) expresses its readiness for active cooperation. Within the framework of the UNDP grant project M4EG, we were able to form a portfolio of the "Kutaisi - Eco Smart City" transformation and create test living laboratories, which require further development based on learning and observation.

I believe that the Sustainable Development Goals are the most important task from 2026 to 2029。Firstly, there is currently no clear direction and goal for development in various countries around the world。
We can set the Sustainable Development Goals as the goals and directions for the development of countries around the world。

Especially ensuring global economic and trade liberalization is the best choice to address the equal development of economies and trade。 among countries around the world。It is very important to redefine global trade laws to take care of developing countries, especially underdeveloped countries, based on the changes in the current world social environment。

It is very important to provide diversified solutions for all countries to achieve sustainable development goals from 2026 to 2029 for all countries to choose from。

Different countries adopt different methods to guide their governments in taking action on the track of sustainable development goals。To provide a broader global policy environment for civil society to promote sustainable development goals and unleash energy for achieving sustainable development goals。

Equal participation of civil society and government in the United Nations General Assembly to jointly implement sustainable development goals can be included in the 2026-2029 planning agenda。

The United Nations Development Programme's 2026-2029 development plan is beneficial for guiding civil society and governments around the world。Because the United Nations Development Programme has a global appeal, its development planning is very beneficial for the peaceful development of the world。

 The problems facing humanity today

1. The trend of accelerated occurrence of natural disasters。

  2. Political corruption and authoritarian rule undermine civilization, progress, and hinder democratic development。

3，The development and manufacturing of nuclear weapons are facing an accelerating trend, and globalization rules are being disrupted by some countries。

4，Civilization and progress are regressing, unity faces the threat of dictatorship。

5，Some political leaders in certain countries have weak global values for protecting the environment and engage in large-scale, high energy consuming development of the Earth's environmental resources。

6，The global population is significantly accelerating in developing countries, and the trend of population aging is evident in developed countries。

7，Some national leaders excessively believe that developing armed forces is the only option to ensure national security。

8，The military competition among countries is showing an accelerating trend。

The 8 problems that I believe the world is currently facing are those that constitute destruction of the Earth。

The United Nations Development Programme has the ability to focus on the development of global policies and new global regulations。

Thanks for your engagement so far!

A theme that I feel is repeatedly coming up is that of complexity - from the multisectoral nature of climate adaptation to the macro dynamics of trade, just to mention two of the themes raised today.

Are there views or recommendations on the conceptual and operational approaches that an organization like UNDP could use to better deal with complexity?

Addressing Discriminatory Nationality Rights, Statelessness, and the Challenges of Marriage Migrants

Hello everyone, I am Alicia from Family Frontiers Malaysia, an NGO that works on gender-discriminatory nationality rights, marriage migration, and statelessness in the country.

Family Frontiers welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029. We urge UNDP to prioritize the elimination of discriminatory nationality laws, which disproportionately affect women and their children, perpetuating statelessness and gender inequality.

From a development perspective, these issues are not merely legal anomalies but systemic barriers that hinder progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Addressing them requires integrated, rights-based, and gender-sensitive approaches.

Key Recommendations:

Advancing Gender Equal Nationality Rights:
Support advocacy and policy reform to ensure all women have the right to confer citizenship to their children and spouses on an equal basis with men. Gender-discriminatory nationality laws undermine family unity, social stability, and women's empowerment, which are essential for sustainable development.

Strengthening Protection Mechanisms for Stateless Persons and Marriage Migrants:
Promote the inclusion of marriage migrants and their children in social safety nets, access to education, healthcare, and legal protection mechanisms. Empower affected communities through capacity-building programs to navigate legal and administrative hurdles.

Capacity Building and Legal Empowerment:
Work with governments, civil society, and UN agencies to provide training and resources to reduce bureaucratic challenges that perpetuate statelessness. Focus on marginalized groups, including binational families and Indigenous communities, who face compounded vulnerabilities.

Leveraging Data for Development:
Support research and data collection on the intersection of nationality laws, statelessness, and migration, disaggregated by gender and other key factors. Evidence-based programming ensures targeted interventions to address gaps in development planning.

Promoting Regional and International Collaboration:
Facilitate cross-border and regional dialogues, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific, where marriage migration is prevalent, to develop cooperative frameworks addressing the rights of stateless persons and marriage migrants.

By addressing these challenges, UNDP can foster inclusive development, strengthen human rights protections, and contribute to building resilient and equitable societies.

Family Frontiers remains committed to collaborating with UNDP and other stakeholders in realizing these goals.

Thank you! 

In terms of answer the final question about How Could We Work Better Together to Promote Systems Change?

To work better together for systems change, we must adopt bold approaches, foster inclusive innovation, and embrace emerging technologies. By focusing on localization, behavior change, digital collaboration, and adaptive practices, we can accelerate transformative impact while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. Promoting systems change requires bold, innovative approaches that break free from conventional strategies and focus on transformative collaboration. Based on my experiences with UNCDF in Indonesia and UNDP since 2015, I propose the following actionable ideas:

1. Establish "Transformation Incubators" for Local Innovation

Instead of relying solely on top-down strategies, we can foster systems change by creating local incubators where communities, businesses, and governments co-design solutions. These incubators would be agile hubs for testing and scaling localized, context-driven interventions.

• Example: Partner with universities, local NGOs, and private sector actors to launch regional incubators focusing on systemic challenges such as climate resilience or gender equity.
• Outcome: A decentralized model of innovation that accelerates the transition from pilot projects to transformative systems.

2. Integrate Behavioral Insights into Systems Change

Behavioral economics and psychology offer untapped potential to reshape systems by understanding how individuals and institutions behave. Small, behaviorally informed interventions can catalyze significant change within larger systems.

• Example: Develop a Behavioral Change Lab within UNDP to address entrenched systemic issues, such as corruption or resistance to renewable energy, by nudging individuals and organizations toward desired behaviors.
• Outcome: Cost-effective solutions that address the root causes of systemic inertia.

3. Adopt a Circular Systems Approach

Traditional systems are often linear, leading to waste and inefficiency. A circular systems approach rooted in sustainability principles can redesign development processes to minimize waste, reuse resources, and promote regenerative practices.

• Example: Pilot circular systems in urban settings by integrating renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and circular economies into one cohesive model. This could be tested in secondary cities with higher transformation potential.
• Outcome: Scalable, self-sustaining systems that align with SDG goals on sustainable cities and responsible consumption.

4. Create a Global Digital Commons for Systemic Knowledge

While digital collaboration tools exist, they often fail to address the specific needs of systemic change. A Global Digital Commons could provide a dynamic, open-access platform where partners worldwide share data, resources, and lessons learned in real-time.

• Example: Develop a blockchain-based platform to ensure transparency and incentivize contributions from diverse stakeholders (e.g., data-sharing credits or recognition for solutions adopted globally).
• Outcome: Accelerated learning cycles and a democratized knowledge ecosystem for systemic change.

5. Reimagine Financing Models with Tokenized Development Funding

Traditional financing for systems change can be slow and inflexible. By leveraging digital finance tools, such as tokenization, we can mobilize funding faster and ensure that investments are targeted and traceable.

• Example: Launch a tokenized development fund where stakeholders governments, private sector, and individuals invest in specific systemic outcomes (e.g., gender parity in education or green transitions in agriculture). Tokens would represent measurable impacts, incentivizing results-driven action.
• Outcome: Agile, accountable funding streams that scale systemic interventions.

6. Use Artificial Intelligence to Map Systems Bottlenecks

AI tools can uncover hidden patterns and bottlenecks within complex systems. By applying AI to development challenges, we can pinpoint leverage points that drive the greatest systemic impact.

• Example: Partner with AI innovators to build a "Systems Insight Engine" that analyzes interconnected development data (e.g., governance, health, education) to recommend optimal intervention points.
• Outcome: Data-driven strategies that target high-impact areas, ensuring efficient resource use.

7. Embed Youth-Led "Disruption Councils" in UNDP Programming

Youth often bring fresh ideas and an urgency to address systemic issues. Institutionalizing their participation as disruptors and problem-solvers could radically reshape how we approach change.

• Example: Form Youth Disruption Councils in key UNDP country offices to challenge the status quo, propose bold solutions, and co-implement innovative pilots.
• Outcome: Fresh energy and perspectives embedded into UNDP systems, fostering dynamic transformation.

8. Incentivize Inter-Agency Collaboration Through Shared Outcomes

Fragmentation across development actors undermines systems change. We can address this by creating shared outcome frameworks that incentivize collaboration over competition.

• Example: Introduce inter-agency “collaborative scorecards,” where success metrics are tied to the achievement of shared SDG-related goals (e.g., reducing inequality or carbon emissions across sectors).
• Outcome: Unified efforts across UN agencies and development actors, driving greater systemic impact.

9. Measure and Redefine Success for Systems Change

Traditional metrics like GDP or project KPIs often fail to capture systemic shifts. We need new, dynamic metrics that measure resilience, inclusivity, and long-term impact.

• Example: Work with thought leaders to co-develop the "Systemic Impact Index," a multidimensional metric that evaluates the durability and equity of systemic changes in real-world contexts.
• Outcome: A global framework that aligns stakeholders around transformative goals.

10. Promote Adaptive Experimentation

Instead of rigid planning cycles, systems change requires adaptive experimentation, where strategies are continuously tested and refined in response to changing dynamics.

• Example: Institutionalize “adaptive programming sprints” within UNDP, where country offices allocate time and resources to test bold ideas quarterly, with feedback loops to improve interventions.
• Outcome: A culture of experimentation that accelerates learning and change.

Emanuele Sapienza 

Thank you for raising this critical theme, Complexity is indeed at the heart of sustainable development, and addressing it requires UNDP to adopt both conceptual and operational shifts to maximize our impact. Based on my experiences as an international consultant working with UNDP since 2015 and leading multisectoral initiatives in many countries, here are a few recommendations:

1. Adopt a Systems Thinking Approach: UNDP can enhance its ability to address complexity by moving beyond linear planning to embrace systems thinking. This means identifying interdependencies and feedback loops between different sectors, such as climate adaptation, trade, governance, and social inclusion. A systems map for key interventions could guide cross-sectoral collaboration and minimize unintended consequences.

2. Flexible, Iterative Programming: Complexity often entails unpredictability. UNDP could benefit from more adaptive management frameworks that allow for flexibility in program design and implementation. Utilizing real-time data and periodic feedback loops from stakeholders would enable iterative learning and course corrections.

3. Strengthen Localized Solutions: Building on the concept of localization, empowering local actors to co-design and co-implement programs ensures tailored, community-specific responses that better reflect the complexity of local realities. This also fosters resilience and ownership at the grassroots level.

4. Promote Integrated Portfolios: UNDP should deepen its portfolio approach by integrating thematic areas under fewer, broader umbrellas, such as Sustainable and Inclusive Development or Climate-Resilient Communities. This would reduce silos, pool resources, and ensure projects contribute to shared outcomes across interconnected themes.

5. Enhance Use of Technology: Digital tools, such as AI and predictive analytics, can help UNDP better model and manage complexity. For instance, AI-driven simulations could anticipate the cascading effects of climate policies on trade and economic systems, allowing for more informed decision-making.

6. Capacity Development for Complexity: Internally, equipping staff with tools and training to navigate complexity is essential. Externally, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships that bring together governments, private sector actors, and civil society helps distribute the "burden" of complexity across a broader ecosystem.

7. Incentivize Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: UNDP could create mechanisms that reward integrated, cross-thematic programming, such as joint team evaluations or additional funding for initiatives that span multiple thematic areas.

By embedding these approaches into its conceptual and operational frameworks, UNDP can better navigate complexity while maintaining its role as a trusted development partner.

HOW WE WORK: How could we work Better Together to promote systems change

I would like to add my cents focusing on the last question and make a humble proposition to reimagine UNDP as a platform for development partnerships – in effect rebranding the ‘P’ in UNDP: from ‘Programme’ to ‘Partnerships’.

Why is it needed?

The challenges of our time—climate change, inequality, conflict —are global, systemic, and dynamic. No single entity, no matter how capable, holds a monopoly on solutions. To drive meaningful change, we must shift from siloed approaches to systemic, collective action.

UNDP is uniquely positioned to become the UN’s development partnerships platform, moving beyond its traditional programme role. This shift is not about doing more of the same; it is about creating transformational partnerships that leverage the innovation of the private sector, the legitimacy of governments, the agility of civil society, and the creativity of individuals.

This reimagined role positions UNDP to move from a "low level of value" implementer (a trend being accentuated by the dominance of earmarking of funding to specific projects) to a "high level of value" enabler of collective solutions—facilitating the co-creation of cutting edge, impactful, scalable, and sustainable outcomes. In an era of declining core resources and growing competition among UN entities for funding, UNDP must reposition itself not just as an implementer but as a critical enabler of collective action to address systemic global challenges.

What do we know already?

Through the recently conducted Business Model Review, we come to know that at its core, UNDP has always been a partnership platform.  How we create value for our clients relies on our ability to connect the dots through convening dialogues, co-creation or brokering solutions, more often than not enabled by trusted partnerships. The evolving financing landscape is nudging UNDP to move from funding and financing, emphasizing co-investment, leveraging and aligning financing for the SDGs. Similarly, how we deliver value is grounded in partnerships - whether through government institutions, civil society organizations, private sector innovators, or local communities. This ecosystem approach ensures that solutions are not only scalable but also owned and sustained by those who implement them.

How do we make it happen?

The evolution from programme to partnerships platform could reflect a timely paradigm shift in how development challenges are addressed. This means to truly move from transactional to transformational partnerships with a focus on facilitating co-creation (building solutions with, not for, stakeholders), scaling impact (moving beyond pilots to drive systemic change – in line with the portfolio approach being experimented on), and building agility (empowering stakeholders to be future-ready). Such a paradigm shift should be reflected in our programming, policies and organizational culture. For instance, it is critical that we must harness partnership with the IT sector to deploy digital solutions, including AI and big data, to be agile and future ready. For this to happen we have to change our partnership toolbox, risk culture, etc.

Why the time is now?

As we formulate our next Strategic Plan, UNDP has the opportunity to firmly embrace its role as the UN’s development partnerships platform. This rebranding will galvanize even stronger support from our diverse ecosystem of partners. 

Thanks everyone for your contributions today. Great points on the importance of antidiscrimination work and partnership building, as well as multiple practical suggestions on how to promote systems change.

We look forward to more contributions over the next days. As a reminder, the issues we are looking to explore are the context of UNDP's work (opportunities and challenges), priorities going forward (what UNDP should be doing), and ways of working (how UNDP should operate).

Austin Wallace, International Affairs Officer, World Federation for Animals

Hello everyone,

It’s an honor to contribute to the UNDP Strategic Plan discussion board and share insights from the World Federation for Animals. Thank you for creating this platform to explore how we can collectively address critical global challenges and shape a sustainable future.

Top Emerging Issues with Major Impacts on People and Planet

From the perspective of the World Federation for Animals (WFA), there are three critical emerging issues that will have significant impacts on both people and the planet:

1. Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss

The linkage between biodiversity and climate change is increasingly recognized, with growing evidence that protecting wildlife and biodiversity is essential for achieving net-zero emissions. However, current food production and consumption patterns, particularly industrial animal agriculture, exert pressure on ecosystems, leading to habitat destruction and reduced carbon sequestration. Transforming food systems through sustainable agricultural practices and a shift toward sustainable diets is critical to mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. WFA has developed the Animals for Climate Action Tool, which provides a menu of policy options and case studies to support biodiversity protection as a climate action strategy.

2. Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Emerging zoonotic diseases threaten human health, economies, and ecosystems. Preventative measures, including improved animal welfare and reduced wildlife exploitation, are essential. Countries must be supported in implementing the recently adopted Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health to mitigate these risks. Additionally, the overuse of antibiotics in livestock farming contributes to AMR, a growing global health crisis. Addressing animal welfare can reduce reliance on antibiotics, improve health outcomes, and support commitments made at the General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR.

3. Animal Welfare in Conflict and Disaster Zones

Armed conflicts and climate disasters significantly impact animals, with cascading effects on livelihoods and ecosystems. Addressing these challenges could be a valuable area of exploration for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the coming years.

Most Important Long-term Changes for UNDP

Key areas for UNDP to prioritize over the long term include:

• Mainstreaming Animal Welfare in Sustainable Development

Animal welfare is a powerful tool for addressing challenges like poverty, food security, health, and the triple planetary crises. Welfare-focused policies can deliver systemic benefits for humans, animals, and ecosystems. WFA’s Unveiling the Nexus Report offers evidence and insights into these linkages.

• Advancing One Health Initiatives

One Health approaches that integrate animal welfare can address multiple development challenges synergistically, benefiting public health, ecosystems, and economic resilience.

Collaborating to Promote Systems Change

WFA is eager to support and collaborate with UNDP through the following pathways:

• Joint research and policy development to quantify and outline the role of animal welfare in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas like climate change, biodiversity, economic development, and public health.

• Developing capacity-building and educational resources for stakeholders on the benefits of incorporating animal welfare into development projects.

• Utilizing WFA’s existing tools and reports, such as the Animals for Climate Action Tool and the Unveiling the Nexus Report, to support UNDP’s work on biodiversity, food systems, and policy formulation.

Looking forward to engaging in this vital discussion and exploring opportunities to work together toward a more sustainable future.

UNDP Input.pdf94.37 KB

Questions for Strategic Framework Development

1️⃣ The top emerging issues that could significantly impact people and the planet, but that we don’t know enough about.

One critical issue is the potential of civic, community, and voluntary networks and organizations to bridge growing gaps in trust and foster collective action in addressing development challenges. These networks can play transformative roles in underserved areas, particularly by expanding access to digital tools and infrastructure, yet their systemic contributions remain underexplored. In the face of food system disruptions, climate resilience efforts, and migration crises, these organizations are often pivotal in mobilizing local resources and fostering cohesion, but their long-term impact requires deeper investigation. Additionally, the digital divide continues to marginalize many communities from accessing essential services and participating in civic processes, with rural and vulnerable groups being disproportionately affected. Harnessing the power of these agency, of collective action, fostering these networks to promote digital literacy and inclusive participation could be a game-changer, but we need better insights into how to scale these efforts ethically and sustainably. Lastly, the role of real-time data and digital tools in empowering these networks to respond to health, climate, and economic crises deserves greater emphasis, alongside safeguards for data generation, evidence based policy and equity strategies.

2️⃣ The critical, long-term changes that UNDP needs to focus on to meet the needs of the future.

In order to expand and increase civic space, promote dialogue about prevention and peacebuilding, redress injustices, and protect human rights, UNDP must concentrate on including civic, community, and voluntary networks and organizations as important partners. By building trust and elevating local perspectives, these networks can propel inclusive solutions in fields including social protection, food systems, and climate resilience. These groups will be better equipped to use technology tand AI as transformational tool to improve services provision, governance and social fabric; to improve advocacy, education, and service delivery if digital infrastructure is expanded and digital literacy initiatives are put in place, particularly for women and young people. In order to guarantee that interventions stay flexible and sensitive to community needs, UNDP should also give top priority to collaborations that allow these networks to jointly build solutions utilizing data-driven insights. In addition to increasing these organizations' operational efficacy, funding capacity-building programs will also improve their capacity to participate actively in decision-making processes and advocate for systemic change at national and global levels.

3️⃣ How UNDP can work more effectively to drive systems change.

UNDP should potentiate abd expand support to civic, community, and voluntary networks and organizations as key players in encouraging group action, establishing trust, and advancing creative ideas in order to achieve systems transformation. These groups possess special abilities to advocate for fair access to vital resources like social protection, internet connection, and renewable energy, as well as to mobilize communities and resolve disputes between stakeholders. By investing in sophisticated skills like data analysis and digital literacy training, UNDP may increase its effect by gaining the ability to gather and use data in an ethical manner for advocacy and service delivery. Furthermore, using these networks to scale out digital health, remote learning, and mobile banking programs can improve community resilience and reach marginalized people. Enforcing their involvement in planning, monitoring, and assessment procedures will guarantee their contributions to expanding civic space, safeguarding human rights, and addressing systemic inequalities are effectively leveraged for transformative change.

1. What are the 2–3 top issues that could have a major impact on people and planet, which we still do not know enough about?

A. Enabling Environment for Civil Society
The erosion of the enabling environment for civil society organizations (CSOs) undermines global governance, democracy, and sustainable development. Over 87% of the global population resides in countries where civic freedoms are restricted, leaving CSOs unable to fully contribute to addressing crises and advancing the SDGs.

Critical Need: Strengthen mechanisms to detect, prevent, and respond to threats against CSOs’ operational freedoms. The EU SEE project’s Early Warning Mechanism, in collaboration with 5 global partners, offers actionable insights to address deteriorating enabling environments. UNDP’s engagement in amplifying these alerts and coordinating responses at local, regional, and global levels is critical to protecting and promoting the enabling environment.

Opportunity for UNDP: Develop rapid-response mechanisms to support CSOs during crises, integrate real-time data from systems like EU SEE, and advocate for legal and regulatory reforms to safeguard fundamental freedoms.

B. Digital Governance and Bridging the Digital Divide
Digital inequality excludes over 40% of the global population, particularly in the Global South, limiting access to opportunities and civic engagement. Moreover, AI systems often reflect Western norms, sidelining local knowledge and marginalizing underrepresented voices.

C. Financing for Sustainable Development
The global shift from grants to loan-based financing exacerbates debt burdens, particularly in low-income countries, constraining their ability to invest in poverty reduction, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Public development banks and blended finance models often lack accountability in aligning with rights-based principles. Lots more research needs to be conducted to assess the long-term impact of these shifts.

D. Climate, Humanitarian, and Development Nexus
The interconnected impacts of climate change—such as migration, food security, biodiversity loss, and mental health—are insufficiently understood, leading to fragmented policy responses.

Strategic Opportunity: UNDP should integrate research and programming across the humanitarian, development, and climate agendas, ensuring coherence, supporting civil society action and fostering resilience in vulnerable communities.

2. What do you think are critical long-term shifts that UNDP should work towards?

A. Institutionalizing Support for the Enabling Environment for Civil Society

Vision: Prioritize the enabling environment as a cornerstone of the strategic plan, ensuring CSOs can operate effectively and safely.

Implementation:

• Develop rapid-response frameworks to protect CSOs in deteriorating environments, leveraging tools like the EU SEE Early Warning Mechanism.
• Build long-term partnerships to address systemic barriers, such as restrictive laws, financial constraints, and negative public narratives about civil society.
• Support the creation of permanent civil society representation in governance frameworks at all levels, inspired by the recommendations of UNMute.

B. Promoting Locally-Led Development

Vision: Empower grassroots organizations to drive sustainable development through locally tailored solutions.

Implementation:

• Strengthen capacity-building initiatives for local CSOs.
• Establish knowledge-sharing platforms that connect grassroots actors with governments and international stakeholders to scale successful approaches.

C. Advancing Digital Equity and Inclusive Governance

Vision: Champion digital inclusion by addressing infrastructure gaps, supporting marginalized communities, and ensuring ethical AI frameworks prioritize underrepresented voices.

Implementation: UNDP can foster equitable digital transformation by:

• Promoting access to digital tools and literacy in underrepresented regions.
• Leading the development of ethical AI governance frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and data privacy.
• Support in creating open, safe digital spaces for civic participation.

D. Reimagining Development Financing

Vision: Advocate for global financial reforms that prioritize grants over loans, reduce debt burdens, and ensure equitable financial accessibility for marginalized communities.

Implementation: UNDP can lead financial reforms to prioritize grants, alleviate debt, and ensure financing mechanisms directly support marginalized communities. Platforms like Finance in Common and FfD4 offer opportunities to champion rights-based, equitable development financing, and UNDP has a key role to play in ensuring equitable development financing, that respects human rights and leave no one behind.

3. How can we work better to promote systems change?

1. Building Inclusive Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships:
UNDP can facilitate platforms for governments, civil society, the academic and private sector actors to co-create policies and solutions. By prioritizing the voices of marginalized groups, these partnerships can drive systemic transformation.

2. Promoting Policy Coherence Across Sectors:
Breaking down silos is essential for aligning development strategies with interconnected challenges like climate action, governance, and economic inclusion. UNDP’s role in fostering cross-sectoral coherence is pivotal.

3. Leveraging Data for Evidence-Based Decision-Making:
Invest in capacity-building initiatives to enable local stakeholders to collect and analyze data effectively. Emphasize the use of citizen-generated data to shape inclusive and responsive policies.

4. Enhancing Trust and an Enabling Environment for CSOs:
UNDP should:

• Advocate for legal and regulatory protections for civil society.
• Develop mechanisms, such as emergency response funds inspired by EU SEE, to support CSOs in challenging contexts.
• Foster trust through regular dialogue with civil society actors and ensure consistent advocacy for their operational freedoms.

Closing Remarks

Forus encourages UNDP to:

• Integrate actionable mechanisms to safeguard the enabling environment for civil society, leveraging tools like EU SEE and recommendations from UNMute.
• Amplify the role of civil society as a strategic partner in advancing sustainable development.
• Champion equitable digital transformation and promote inclusivity in governance and financing mechanisms.
• Collaborate with Forus and its partners to ensure strategies reflect local realities and global challenges, aligning with the shared vision of leaving no one behind.

By embedding these priorities, UNDP can lead transformative change, fostering resilience, equity, and inclusive development globally.

Thanks juan.gordillo and Marie L'HOSTIS for bringing up the issue of collective action as a key driver of structural transformation.

As you both point out, protecting and promoting civic space is essential to ensuring that members of society are able to fully contribute to development in their communities.

And digitalization, as you note, provides great opportunities, provided gaps in digital access are addressed and appropriate governance mechanisms are put in place.

 The future of development lies in shifting power, resources, and decision-making to local actors, ensuring that development processes are locally led and reflective of the unique needs and expertise of the communities involved. This shift is in alignment with the need to decolonize the development sector, which has historically been marked by top-down, donor-driven models. The current commitments from key donors and international organizations, including UNDP, reflect a growing recognition of the need for locally led development. However, more work needs to be done to push for real, meaningful change in funding, partnerships, and program implementation.

Below are key components for achieving this transformation:

Towards a More Locally-Led and Decolonized Development

1. Expanding Direct, Flexible Funding for Local Actors

Direct funding to local actors is essential for creating sustainable and effective development outcomes. However, the current funding landscape is often dominated by large international organizations that prioritize themselves or their own partners over local organizations. Local actors, particularly grassroots peacebuilders and community-driven organizations, often lack access to flexible, long-term funding streams that can support locally designed and led solutions.

To strengthen this approach, funding modalities must be:

• Direct and Unrestricted: Local actors should be able to access funding streams that are not restricted by rigid frameworks or specific earmarks. These should include allocations for core and overhead costs, ensuring that the funding is truly flexible and can be used to support all aspects of an organization’s work, not just specific projects.
• Participatory: Local actors must be involved in decision-making about funding allocation and project design. This ensures that the solutions implemented are truly aligned with the needs of the community, rather than being dictated by external donors or international organizations. Participatory funding processes give local actors the opportunity to shape the direction of projects, improving their effectiveness and relevance.
• Multi-Year and Less Burdensome: One of the biggest barriers to effective, locally led development is the short-term nature of most funding. Many funding cycles are constrained by short-term agreements and complex reporting requirements. Long-term, multi-year funding commitments are essential to allow local actors the time and resources they need to implement meaningful, sustainable change. Simplifying reporting processes and reducing entry barriers will make it easier for local organizations to apply for and manage funds.

Focus Area:

• Clear Definition of "Local": A shared, clear definition of what constitutes "local" must be established to avoid the co-optation of localization by large international NGOs that reposition themselves as "local" to access funding. This definition should ensure that resources reach grassroots organizations and community-based actors who are closest to the issues and needs. For example, Peace Direct distinguishes between initiatives that are (1) locally led and owned, where local people and groups design the approach and set priorities, while outsiders assist with resources; (2) locally managed, where the approach comes from the outside, but is “transplanted” to local management; or (3) locally implemented, primarily an outside approach, including external priorities that local people or organizations are supposed to implement.

While UNDP itself may not be a signatory to the Donor Statement on Supporting Locally Led Development, the significant influence of its donors—who are signatories—presents a clear opportunity for UNDP to accelerate the implementation of locally led development principles. Through initiatives like the Localization Task Force, UNDP is already taking crucial steps to align its operations with the commitments of its funders. This initiative plays a vital role in ensuring that local leadership is not just acknowledged but institutionalized within development programs.

To truly transform development, donors must be held accountable to their commitments to locally led development, and UNDP should continue to champion and re-double its own efforts to implement modalities ensuring flexible funding, equitable partnerships, and local leadership. By pushing for these changes, UNDP can further strengthen its role in driving a more inclusive, decolonized development system, one that truly reflects the needs and priorities of the communities it seeks to serve.

2. Rethinking Partnerships: Equity, Local Leadership, and the Role of Intermediaries

Traditional intermediaries—often international organizations such as UNDP—tend to dominate funding flows and decision-making processes, sidelining local actors in favor of top-down approaches. While intermediaries can provide valuable logistical support and access to resources, their role should evolve to facilitate, not dominate. This means intermediaries must prioritize capacity-sharing, advocacy, and the transfer of power, rather than controlling project design and implementation. Partnerships must be based on mutual respect, transparency, and long-term engagement, not transactional or project-based relationships.

Ultimately, peacebuilding partnerships must foster an environment where local expertise is integral to the process, ensuring that strategies and solutions are co-created in a way that reflects the realities on the ground. By shifting the role of intermediaries and embracing a more equitable approach to partnerships, the sector can move toward truly locally led development. Check Peace Direct's report, Transforming Partnerships in International Cooperation https://www.peacedirect.org/transforming-partnerships/

Rethinking Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) for Locally Led Development

A transformative approach to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) is essential for supporting locally led development. Traditional MEL systems, which are often rigid, top-down, and externally imposed, do not adequately reflect the realities of local communities or the dynamic and rapidly changing environments in which development initiatives occur.

For MEL to be truly effective in supporting locally led development, it must shift to be more flexible, participatory, and aligned with and emerging from local contexts. This shift involves designing MEL frameworks that are not only driven by local actors but also responsive to their needs, insights, and changing circumstances.

Key Principles for a Transformed MEL System:

1. Local Ownership and Agency
   A truly locally led MEL system must be owned by local actors, giving them the autonomy and agency to design and implement monitoring and evaluation processes that align with their own realities. This means local communities and organizations should define the outcomes they aim to achieve, and MEL should be used as a tool to measure progress based on their own definitions of success, not imposed external indicators.
2. Accessibility and Simplicity
   Traditional MEL frameworks can be overly complex, requiring significant resources and technical capacity that local actors may not have. Therefore, MEL systems must be accessible—simple, low-burden, and easily adaptable to the capabilities of local actors. The focus should be on reducing the use of jargon and creating tools that local partners can use efficiently and effectively without the need for high levels of technical expertise.
3. Inclusive and Participatory Evaluation
   MEL should be a participatory process, not just a technical or administrative task. Local actors, including marginalized groups such as women, youth, and other vulnerable populations, should be included in the process of determining what constitutes success, how it will be measured, and how findings will be used. Participatory MEL ensures that the evaluation process itself is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of the communities involved.

Peace Direct has actively shifted its own MEL framework toward a more decolonial and locally driven model. In 2021, we co-created an alternative MEL framework with local peacebuilders, recognizing that traditional, externally imposed MEL systems were not capturing the full complexity of locally led peacebuilding efforts. This framework is guided by the principles of diversity, inclusion, equity, and co-production—values at the heart of our work.

Our approach also incorporates regular learning loops, where local partners and Peace Direct staff assess data together and use local knowledge to interpret the findings. This iterative process ensures that the evaluation leads to actionable insights and allows programs to evolve and improve over time.

Good evening to all of you, I helped a lot by participating in this distinguished development work and I read all of your comments and contributions and I would like to express my thanks and I would like to express the extent of my benefit from your participation. At the beginning, I would like to talk to you or share my opinion with you. I come to you from 14 years of development work in the field of training, evaluation, follow-up, work on the ground and work with the target groups in an actual way. It is known that donor countries want to see the results. They want to know the positive trends among the beneficiaries and do not receive any positive feedback from the target groups who should benefit from this development cooperation in the end. The economic and social indicators do not show any positive trends. Therefore, I share my point of view with you, as I have previously mentioned during 14 years of development work in general. First, programs must be prepared that carry some new skills that focus on effective human interaction. To clarify this point, I would like to give you a simple example. We studied in physics that different rods attract each other and similar rods repel each other and that a common space must be found and created between the target groups and those assigned to the role. Development in these programs so that they can achieve positive indicators that the donor countries see and that appear in the economic and social aspects. Secondly, we must or would like to follow up and evaluate the effectiveness of the service provider from the development work side to the target groups and the extent of not only the satisfaction of the target groups but also the extent of their acquisition of new skills and knowledge so that we can actually see the positive indicators that we should obtain in the end. In general, I would like to talk about the psychological factor and the psychological interaction between the development role and the target groups to find common spaces for work so that they can integrate together in achieving the positive indicators that are intended to appear at the end of the development programs.

Good evening to all of you, I helped a lot by participating in this distinguished development work and I read all of your comments and contributions and I would like to express my thanks and I would like to express the extent of my benefit from your participation. At the beginning, I would like to talk to you or share my opinion with you. I come to you from 14 years of development work in the field of training, evaluation, follow-up, work on the ground and work with the target groups in an actual way. It is known that donor countries want to see the results. They want to know the positive trends among the beneficiaries and do not receive any positive feedback from the target groups who should benefit from this development cooperation in the end. The economic and social indicators do not show any positive trends. Therefore, I share my point of view with you, as I have previously mentioned during 14 years of development work in general. First, programs must be prepared that carry some new skills that focus on effective human interaction. To clarify this point, I would like to give you a simple example. We studied in physics that different rods attract each other and similar rods repel each other and that a common space must be found and created between the target groups and those assigned to the role. Development in these programs so that they can achieve positive indicators that the donor countries see and that appear in the economic and social aspects. Secondly, we must or would like to follow up and evaluate the effectiveness of the service provider from the development work side to the target groups and the extent of not only the satisfaction of the target groups but also the extent of their acquisition of new skills and knowledge so that we can actually see the positive indicators that we should obtain in the end. In general, I would like to talk about the psychological factor and the psychological interaction between the development role and the target groups to find common spaces for work so that they can integrate together in achieving the positive indicators that are intended to appear at the end of the development programs.

Dear all,

Warm greetings to everyone. My name is Saúl, i´m from Colombia, and I am part of My World Mexico. It is a true privilege to contribute to this space, where collective reflections guide the construction of transformative solutions for our shared future.

Below, I share my thoughts on the questions posed:

1. Question 1: From your perspective, what are the top emerging issues that could have a major impact on people and planet, that we don’t know enough about?
   One of the most pressing yet underexplored issues is the persistence of microaggressions and subtle forms of discrimination, particularly toward women and the LGBTQIA+ community. Despite progress in the recognition of legal rights and social inclusion, everyday language often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and normalizes discrimination. For instance, derogatory terms like faggot or using "woman" in a pejorative way reflect underlying biases that continue to marginalize these groups across generations. Addressing these issues requires cultural campaigns that emphasize inclusive and respectful language, especially targeting children and adolescents. By shaping discourses from a young age, we can break the cycle of discriminatory attitudes embedded in social norms.

2. Question 2: In your view, what are the most important long-term changes that UNDP should focus on?
   The UNDP should prioritize fostering global solidarity to address shared challenges such as pandemics and climate-induced disasters. This involves rebuilding societal trust, promoting peace, and encouraging collective action. Arts and culture, particularly music, can serve as powerful tools to create inclusive communities where differences are celebrated. These initiatives can transcend barriers, fostering emotional connections and collective resilience. By integrating such creative approaches into peacebuilding and disaster response frameworks, the UNDP can contribute to long-term societal transformation rooted in empathy, unity, and collaboration.

3. Question 3: How could we work better together to promote systems change?

   Promoting systems change requires recognizing diverse forms of expertise and fostering collaboration between scientific knowledge, traditional wisdom, and local practices. Networks of expertise, such as those highlighted by the Alianza por los Derechos de la Naturaleza de Colombia (ADN), illustrate the power of integrating ancestral knowledge with contemporary approaches. These networks emphasize intercultural, intergenerational, and interreligious collaboration to address ecological and social challenges.

   As described by Nova-Laverde et al. (2023), such alliances champion “epistemologies of the South,” recognizing the value of alternative worldviews and fostering hybrid, non-anthropocentric approaches to problem-solving. By adopting horizontal, decentralized structures and embracing both formal and informal systems of knowledge, we can co-create innovative solutions that transcend conventional hierarchies and disciplinary silos. In practice, this means designing inclusive spaces for co-creation where diverse stakeholders—academics, grassroots leaders, and policymakers—contribute equally to sustainable and equitable systemic transformation.

Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude for this opportunity to amplify the voices of civil society. Spaces like these remind us of the importance of collaboration in building inclusive and impactful agendas for our global community.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this journey.

Warm regards,

Saúl

Hello everyone. I'm reaching out on behalf of Student Energy, a global youth-led organization empowering the next generation of leaders who are accelerating the transition to a sustainable, equitable energy future. We're happy to contribute to this discussion, drawing on learnings from three of our research reports - the Energy Transition Skills Project, the Global Youth Energy Outlook, and the Youth Impact Framework.

Context: From your perspective, what are the top emerging issues that could have a major impact on people and planet, that we don't know enough about?

• Youth-Specific Barriers in the Green Workforce: Highlighted in data from the IEA, IRENA, Linkedin, WEF, and Shortlist, there is significant projected growth in the green and clean energy sectors globally with a deeply worrying shortage of young talent with the necessary skills for these jobs. According to Student Energy's Energy Transition Skills report, young people face unique barriers such as a lack of access to skills training and awareness of career opportunities in the energy transition. Addressing these gaps is critical to ensure the benefits of the green transition are equitably felt especially for those most vulnerable, including youth and young women, and to accelerate sector-wide transitions to mitigate and adapt to increasing climate impacts.

What We Do: In your view, what are the most important long-term changes that UNDP should focus on?

• Institutionalize Youth Leadership in Energy Governance: The Youth Impact Framework underscores the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives when paired with structural support like unrestricted funding and mentorship. UNDP should embed youth participation into national and international energy governance systems, and make youth engagement and partnerships with youth organizations a requirement of all projects supported and implemented by UNDP. 
• Transformative Approaches to Grantmaking: The UNDP's long-term focus should include transformative approaches to ensure equitable and effective climate action and sustainable development. In this context, increasing the share of grantmaking to youth-led projects and advocating for a greater proportion of grants in climate and clean energy finance is essential.

How We Work: How could we work better together to promote systems change?

• Foster Cross-Sectoral Partnerships with Youth Organizations: Student Energy’s Guided Projects and GYEO emphasize the need for intergenerational and multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure youth are not only heard but actively shaping policies and systems, with adequate access to resources to support their engagement and ensure their long-term sustainability.
• Scale and Standardize Impact Measurement for Youth-Led Initiatives: Building on the Youth Impact Framework, UNDP can co-develop tools to evaluate and communicate the systemic impact of youth-led energy projects, making it easier for stakeholders to align efforts and provide policymakers, project implementers and financiers an easier starting point for how to embed youth principles and work appropriately with youth organizations in their work.

Great to see so many substantive contributions today!

Regina Portilla  started us off with an insightful perspective on how to rethink local partnership building from a decolonization perspective.

Very interesting complements to this intervention were offered by Mohamed samir mohamed with his reflection on "common spaces" as the basis of development, and Saúl Tibaduiza who noted the importance of alliances championing epistemologies of the South (among other things).

Finally, Helen Watts highlighted important points on action that needs to be undertaken to empower young people in energy governance and green transitions more broadly.

Thanks for all of it!

I have attached a note  "Radical Transformational Leadership to Achieve SDGs"

Monica Sharma MD

Radical Transformational Leadership to Achieve the SDGs - Monica Sharma.pdf121.53 KB

Dear friends,

The issues we are facing these days tend to cut across different facets and areas and many are systemic. They can be alleviated but not resolved by the current systemic solutions. Because these solutions target the symptoms rather than the causes. 

We at the Cao Dai (Study) Center have been presenting to different institutions and nations the main solution. It is not what most would expect or even want. It is a new religion. Yes, you read it right. It is a new religion. Only a religion can change people who are responsible for the issues. That said, whether people want to change may be another roadblock. 

There is something that the temporal secular world are not aware of. In our term, it is called the Mandate of Heaven. I hope this is the right place to mention it. It actually has both spiritual and scientific basis. If people follow the mandate, they can avoid several big issues of today. For example, one important element of the mandate is love. When people choose love over hate or conflict, there will be no war. Similarly, they will choose to preserve the environment and its species over taking excessive advantage of it. This love has different angles and is not related to romance. In the simplest sense, it refers to our innate humanity. On a higher level, it is imbued with holiness tied to Heaven and the Divine. And we need to be wary because it can also be taken advantage of by corporations, institutions, or politicians, etc. who keep touting they serve some sorts of purposes. 

The Mandate extends beyond love. As you know, a religion has many different aspects. Love alone may not be the right solution. One may say that they can simply copy some elements and churn out their own secular version. It can provide some alleviation but not resolution. The solution is a new religion. This religion was first established in Vietnam as a 'prototype'. Unfortunately, the communists have damaged and spinned out a fake version of it. 

Another important point to note is that according to religious knowledge, the world goes through cycles of evolution. It is time now for a momentous transition which is a period of many a titanic upheaval. The old must go away to make place for a new better world. Unfortunately, it is unavoidable. Those who are true believers of religions may already learn about it. 

We hope that secular institutions like the UN can grasp these unwordly matters and come to terms with them. 

Warm regards,

Cao Dai (Study) Center

You can reach and contact us at https://www.caodaicenter.org

Dear colleagues, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this rich exchange. As a non-UNDP colleague from the UN system, it seems to me that UNDP’s strengths (lead in multisectoral and people-centered development approaches, vast presence and capacities, experience with policy innovation) can be leveraged around what could be described as “addressing complexity, and transforming it into positive change”. Focusing more on the “how” rather than the “what”, this could mean to:

1. Work with government institutions to help them address multisectoral and complex interconnected issues: support institutions to become more agile and transcend /bring together sectors based on multisectoral analysis; step up the creation of super-sectoral mission-driven ministries or departments, institutional platforms or concrete interlocutors for the development of complex policies – so often, empowered counterparts are missing when trying to address interdisciplinary issues;
2. Systematically connect government and related institutions to people, to ensure that they address the evolving complexities of peoples’ lives. This is to address a historically high trust deficit in government institutions, ensure better inclusiveness and responsiveness, but also to create mechanisms for government to benefit more directly from the ingenuity of citizens, communities, experts (including science and tech), civil society and private sector. At a time when problems are too complex and interconnected to be addressed or fully understood by single actors, governance needs to provide platforms for multi-stakeholder engagement and integrated solutions-development;
3. Addressing complexity does not only happen today, but also along a timescale, involving multiple alternative futures. In times of accelerating change and uncertainties, it seems more and more important to invest in the capabilities of institutions and people to think, plan and act with future generations in mind, without compromising on the imperatives of the present. Bringing the two first points together, this could mean to systematically create policy spaces where different sectors and actors come together to develop positive and shared visions for the future, under conditions of uncertainty, but with reinforced agency and accountability to shape positive pathways today.

Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to contribute to the current thinking to develop your new Strategic Plan. Here are some of the ideas we would like to put forward:

1. Context: What are the top emerging issues that could significantly impact people and the planet, but are not well understood?

Political

a) A complexifying and troubling geopolitical environment

• Multiplying and intensifying conflicts with disastrous consequences on peoples’ lives and the enjoyment of the full spectrum of their Human Rights.
• The erosion of trust between people and the institutions including the UN
• Growing extremism

b) A general trend of backsliding on human rights

• Increased attacks on gender
• A shrinking civic space

Technological

• Quantum revolution & advanced artificial intelligence, data development and management, surveillance technology and human rights
• Human Augmentation
• Eco-Regeneration & Geoengineering

Environmental

• Climate change and human rights

• Resource scarcity including water

Economic & Societal

• Growing economic inequalities

• People  on the move
• Impact of growing urbanization on the enjoyment of Human Rights

2. What We Do: What long-term changes should UNDP focus on?

• Stronger information sharing and coordination with UN entities at the country-level (especially OHCHR), to ensure integrated policy advice to States that aligns plans for economic reforms, including those prescribed by international financial institutions, with States’ human rights obligations, including maximum available resources for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. This is particularly pertinent given the enormous pressure that debt servicing is applying on States finances (e.g. currently 3.3 billion live in countries that spend more on debt interest than on education or health).

• Developing common UN positions and advice to governments on how to ringfence human rights in those situations is urgent and imperative to resume progress on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs.

• Increased support towards the preservation and expansion of civic space and increase efforts to engage with and support human rights defenders, indigenous peoples, environmental human rights defenders, women human rights defenders, youth and other actors as a way to empower, protect and give a voice to those groups, and to ensure meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

• Among the areas of possible focus in the time frame of the Strategic Plan, consider the following:

• Environment: Response to extreme weather events; Biodiversity loss & ecosystem collapse
• Natural resource shortages
• Impact of pollution
• Technological: Prevention and mitigation of the impact of misinformation and disinformation, the Human rights & technology nexus including in relation to discrimination, privacy, digital security and inclusion, protection from abuse of power in State surveillance.
• Economic & Societal: Migration and orderly & Human Rights compliant urbanization process;  increased attention to the Development & Human Rights nexus.

3. How We Work: How can UNDP improve collaboration to promote systems change?

a) Strengthen Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships

• Stronger information sharing and coordination with UN entities at the country-level (especially OHCHR), to ensure integrated policy advice to States that aligns plans for economic reforms, including those prescribed by international financial institutions, with States’ human rights obligations, including maximum available resources for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. This is particularly pertinent given the enormous pressure that debt servicing is applying on States finances (e.g. currently 3.3 billion live in countries that spend more on debt interest than on education or health). Developing common UN positions and advice to governments on how to ringfence human rights in those situations is urgent and imperative to resume progress on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs.
• Engage Diverse Actors with special attention given to preserving and expanding civic space. In close coordination with OHCHR, step up implementation of the UN Guidance Note on Civic Space and its 3 Ps: 1) (ensuring participation of civil society actors, in particular human rights defenders, indigenous peoples, environmental human rights defenders, women human rights defenders, youth, social movements and other actors in UN processes; 2) promotion of civic space (better laws and policies, more narratives; 3) protection of civil society actors  to ensure a whole-of-society approach to change, underpinned by meaningful participation, as well as for accountability.
•  Efforts should be increased to engage with and support human rights defenders, indigenous peoples, environmental human rights defenders, women human rights defenders, youth and other actors as a way to empower, protect and give a voice to those groups, and to ensure meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
• Leverage Regional Mechanisms

b) Build Capacities for Rights-Based Governance

• Strengthen Institutions
• Capacity Development
• Data-Driven Advocacy
• Strengthened support for the Human Rights Economy approach

c) Foster Public Awareness and Empower Communities

• Human Rights Education
• Empower Grassroots Movements
• Digital Advocacy

d) Promote Systems Thinking & Behavioural Science Approaches in Development

• Tackle Root Causes
• Policy Innovation through Human-centred design
• Adaptive Learning

e) Integrate Climate and Technology Dimensions

• Climate Justice: Advocate for policies that protect the rights of communities disproportionately affected by climate change.
• Human Rights in Digital Spaces: Address issues like surveillance, data privacy, and misinformation to safeguard rights in the digital era.

As a medical professional, I’m inspired by the potential for development to reshape how we think about health and well-being—not just for individuals, but for societies and the planet as a whole.

While every region has its own priorities, here are some areas the UNDP might explore:

1• Aligning Health and Environmental Goals: Encouraging countries to adopt policies that integrate health and sustainability tailored to their own context. For example, Muslim countries might want to adopt Al-Mizan concept, launched last year at UNEP, while making planetary health a cornerstone of development.

2• Championing Resilient Systems: Supporting the creation of climate-resilient infrastructure and health systems, especially in vulnerable regions.

3• Fostering Social Connection: Advocating for programs that promote trust, equity, and shared values to strengthen social cohesion and mental health.

4• Advancing Climate Literacy: mitigating climate impacts while honoring ancestral knowledge and Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS).

5• Ethical Innovation: Leading global conversations on the risks and benefits of emerging technologies (AI) and climate geoengineering, ensuring they serve the greater good of the entire planetary system and its inhabitants.

The UNDP’s mission of sustainable human ( inner) development can play a pivotal role in this transformation. It’s an exciting time to think boldly and act with purpose, and I’m hopeful for what lies ahead.

Hello everyone!

I'm Miloš, a student and youth activist with the United Nations Association of Serbia. For starters, I apologize for putting in this comment extremely late, I've been intending to write it for days but work keeps getting in the way. Also, I've been a bit apprehensive about engaging after reading all of these wonderful, detailed, and comprehensive contributions, and I've been wondering if I could ever provide something as useful since it's my first time engaging with this platform. But I still feel like I should engage, precisely because adding in all our perspectives from so many different angles will massively improve the outcome of this process. During my intervention in our Zoom call, I briefly shared some comments and a story I believe will be really relevant for the points I'm about to make.

The World Ahead: A Case Study

In December of last year, I attended the conference "Svet ispred nas" ("The World Ahead") on artificial intelligence in education, jointly organized by UNDP Serbia and our national ministry of education. This conference was mostly aimed at elementary and secondary school teachers, but other stakeholders were also present, and I attended as a representative of UNICEF Serbia's Youth Advisory Board. At the conference, UNICEF presented the results of a recent U-Report result on what young people in Serbia think about AI and how they are already using it at school. Generally speaking, youth in Serbia feels optimistic about AI and desires further innovations in schooling, and this feeling was shared by the conference organizers with the UNDP and the government. Every single panel was lined with experts dissecting in detail how AI could be used to improve education and the conference was really substantive. But there was a big catch.

That's not how things felt to the primary target audience - the same teachers who are supposed to be implementing and using AI in their schools. A lot of them were rolling their eyes at all the various presented visionary reforms and some even used the question time allotted to sarcastically poke fun at the presenters. The problem here is plainly obvious for all to see. The government of Serbia is very enthusiastic about AI, in every sense. We recently took the chairmanship of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), we have a National AI development strategy, a national AI development institute, and AI is being implemented into national policy across all fields. And UNDP Serbia faithfully supports the government in this endeavour. But the support is not reaching the grassroots, where it needs to reach the most.

What's going on at the grassroots

Ordinary teachers feel like they are the victims of yet another fad education reform that's going to go nowhere in a few years or so, but will also in the meantime waste loads of their time and test their patience to the utmost. Ordinary teachers feel like they aren't being supported in this transition, and the ones in most economically disadvantaged and vulnerable regions, especially rural ones feel like they're trapped in a theatre of the absurd. Imagine talking about AI in education when we have schools outside of the most developed regions which don't even have plumbing, let alone computers or any kind of infrastructure necessary to support AI in education. And I'm not even mentioning training or institutional support. Even if the government provides all the tech, we'd still have many teachers who are just not equipped to use it meaningfully.

A conclusion

In lieu of providing generalized answers to all three of the questions you posed, when I don't have the appropriate expertise or even lived experience to provide novel answers to all three, I'd like to conclude my comment here by focusing on the third question.

How do we work better to promote systems change? What key changes does UNDP need to make to become more effective?

In order to be more effective at what it does, UNDP needs to keep in mind now more than ever that inequities inside individual countries can be just as big impediments to change as those between blocks, regions and the developed and developing countries in general. Supporting national governments directly and catering to their priorities is NOT enough to drive actual systems change, no matter how well intentioned or good the national government policy is. UNDP needs to find a way to reach out to the people directly, to the grassroots at the front of sweeping social and technological changes, and be able to provide vital aid and support when they need it the most. And UNDP also needs to act as an amplifier of their voices, working to transfer their insights and unique lived experiences to the national and international levels. Don't dictate from above these wild visions of progress - include. The future belongs to us all and we all need to be included.

Hello. Thank you for creating this space for engagement. 

Please find some thoughts below.

How:

- Consistent and professionalized end-to-end human resources processes for smooth and effective operations and management, with a focus on well-designed and accountable processes 

- A no silo mindset for inter-agency coordination, with further strengthening of mutual recognition and coordination to facilitate, including a more formalized exchange of information and best practices between UNSDG work streams and mechanisms and more alignment between UNDP and DESA, including on normative and operational aspects, to further the implementation of the SDGs

- Utilize social media more actively and strategically for broader mobilization, in particular TikTok which is an outstanding tool to raise awareness and mobilize people and resources quickly at scale, including leveraging and unifying the existing TikTok accounts of UNDP Country Offices

Context:

- Consideration of developments in social movements, including a strengthened anti-capitalist movement, for alternative, people-centered approaches to development and to achieve sustainable development and the global development goals

Last but not least, I would like to echo the call by civil society representatives during the consultations to bring back the UNDP Civil Society Advisory Committee, also to balance out private sector engagement. 

With best wishes, Anja 

Thanks Monica Sharma Cao Đài Study Center  Caroline Siebold Moetsi Duchatellier - OHCHR Mona El-Sherbini Miloš Račić Anja Kallmeyer, PhD for your contributions!

Among the many themes your raise, one that really jumps out to me is the need for a strong partnership focus as a way to address complexity. Of course, in practice, this means many things: multisectoral alliances, state-citizen dialogue, UN interagency coordination, UN-civil society partnerships, engaging with grassroots movements are some of the key issues that were mentioned.

Also the issues of civic space, future generations, AI and digitalization more broadly - which have been raised recurrently during the course of the consultation - came up in several of the comments.

Overall, great points!

This consultation has provided a rich repository of insights and recommendations that will inform the development of UNDP’s Strategic Plan (2026–2029). The collective input underscores the necessity of an integrated, inclusive, and innovative approach to development in an increasingly complex world.

As we transition from consultation to implementation, UNDP reaffirms its commitment to advancing human development, fostering resilience, and ensuring that no one is left behind. The next steps will involve translating these recommendations into actionable strategies that uphold our shared vision of sustainable development for all.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions and dedication to shaping a brighter, more equitable future. Together, we will continue to lead transformative change and build resilient communities worldwide.

What Are the Top Emerging Issues That Could Have a Major Impact on People and Planet?

1. Climate Crisis
   • The climate emergency remains the most urgent challenge, with participants highlighting the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and rising inequalities stemming from environmental degradation.
   • Emphasis was placed on localized climate adaptation efforts and the need to empower communities with the tools and resources necessary to address these challenges effectively.
2. Technological Advancements and Inequities
   • The rapid development of AI and automation presents opportunities but risks widening the digital divide and exacerbating global and local inequalities.
   • Ethical governance frameworks were identified as critical to ensuring inclusive and equitable access to these technologies.
3. Social Disruptions
   • Erosion of trust in institutions, fueled by misinformation, political polarization, and systemic inequality, threatens governance and social cohesion.
   • Conflict and displacement, including those driven by climate change, continue to create vulnerabilities and strain systems globally.
4. Health and Climate Nexus
   • The intersection of health crises and climate change was highlighted, with a call for integrating health and climate policies to address evolving risks such as pandemics and climate-induced diseases.

What Are the Most Important Long-term Changes That UNDP Should Focus On?

1. Resilience as a Cornerstone
   • Building resilience across all development interventions was identified as a critical priority. This includes embedding systemic resilience in programs addressing climate adaptation, governance, and crisis recovery.
   • Addressing barriers to operationalizing resilience at scale was emphasized as a necessary step.
2. Inclusive and Equitable Development
   • Advancing gender equality and intergenerational equity were recognized as central to sustainable development.
   • Youth empowerment and targeted programming were proposed as key strategies to ensure inclusivity and long-term societal transformation.
3. Integrated Approaches
   • UNDP should transition from siloed projects to cross-sector portfolios that address the interconnected nature of global challenges.
   • Specific areas such as health, climate, governance, and economic development should be tackled through integrated strategies.
4. Data-Driven and Evidence-Based Decision-Making
   • Strengthening UNDP’s capacity to leverage data and analytics was highlighted as crucial for informed decision-making, monitoring, and evaluation.
   • This includes fostering a culture of accountability and iterative learning within programs.

How Could We Work Better Together to Promote Systems Change?

1. Strengthening Multilateralism
   • Participants emphasized UNDP’s role in fostering global cooperation to address transnational challenges such as climate change, peacebuilding, and inequality.
   • Leveraging UNDP’s convening power to unite diverse stakeholders and amplify marginalized voices was seen as critical.
2. Community Empowerment and Local Leadership
   • Fostering local leadership and participatory governance, including by protecting and promoting civic space, were identified as essential for sustainable, context-specific solutions.
   • Investments in capacity-building at the community level were recommended to enable effective local action.
3. Collaborative Innovation
   • Partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector were emphasized as key to driving innovation and achieving systemic change.
   • Co-design frameworks and participatory research methodologies were proposed to strengthen collaboration and ensure that solutions are inclusive and scalable.
4. Knowledge Sharing and Learning
   • Developing open-source platforms for sharing best practices and lessons learned was highlighted as a way to foster cross-sectoral collaboration.
   • Transparent monitoring and evaluation systems were identified as tools to drive continuous improvement and shared accountability.

Hi  Emanuele, 

Apologies for the delayed response, but I’m excited to finally share my thoughts for the fourth week of this important consultation. Thank you for your leadership in moderating this phase, and I look forward to contributing to the ongoing dialogue.

CONTEXT

• Geoengineering and its ethical implications: As climate challenges worsen, exploring the impacts and governance of geoengineering technologies—like carbon capture or solar radiation management—is crucial. UNDP can pioneer frameworks for global dialogue on ethical implementation.
• Intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science: Many indigenous and local communities hold knowledge systems that can inform sustainable practices. Documenting and integrating these insights into mainstream development strategies could unlock innovative solutions.
• Resilience against cascading global risks: From financial instability to supply chain disruptions, understanding how interconnected risks amplify during crises could guide the design of more resilient systems.

WHAT WE DO

• Digital green jobs initiative: UNDP can launch a global initiative to equip marginalized communities with digital skills tailored to sustainability sectors, such as renewable energy or AI for climate solutions.
• Transforming urban slums into climate-resilient hubs: Focused investments in slum areas can help turn them into models of urban resilience by incorporating renewable energy, green infrastructure, and inclusive social services.
• Rethinking metrics of progress: Beyond GDP, UNDP could advocate for and support nations in adopting comprehensive wellbeing indices that account for environmental health, social equity, and mental wellbeing.

HOW WE WORK

• Harnessing the power of blockchain for transparency: Blockchain can be leveraged to track development funding and its impacts in real-time, enhancing accountability and building trust among stakeholders.
• Crowdsourcing innovation challenges: UNDP could host global and regional competitions to crowdsource solutions for specific development issues, tapping into diverse talents and fostering grassroots innovation.
• Creating a development impact accelerator: Establish an accelerator program that fast-tracks the scaling of proven solutions from pilot projects to regional or global implementation, ensuring efficient replication of success stories.
• Psychosocial support in development programs: Prioritize mental health as a core component of sustainable development, ensuring interventions address not just economic but also emotional resilience.
• Circular water economy: Promote innovative methods for water recycling and reuse in arid regions, combining traditional practices with cutting-edge technology to secure long-term water access.

Thank you again for your leadership and for creating this space for important dialogue. I look forward to hearing other contributions and hope these ideas can help shape the future of UNDP’s strategic vision.

Regards,

Raja