UNDP has been has been committed to helping the country achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as national development priorities as set out in the Philippine Development Plan and the UN Philippines Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development.

UNDP has been working in the Philippines for over 40 years. Today, it continues to strengthen the country’s capacities at the national and local levels to promote democratic governance, sustainable management of natural resources, climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, and resilience and peacebuilding. In all its programmes, UNDP integrates human rights and gender equality, believing that everyone should have equal access to the benefits of development.

UNDP’s Country Programme Document (2019-2023) focuses on three key areas of intervention: improving access to social services for the poor, supporting the transition to environmentally sustainable development, and responding to the drivers of conflict.

Bringing better services to the marginalized and at-risk is done by further developing efforts of local government units (LGUs), strengthening governance in key national agencies, as well as encouraging more citizens to engage in government policies and programs.

UNDP works to enhance risk-informed policies and programs, support the implementation of the Paris Agreement and improve natural resource management as part of its efforts towards climate action.

The CPD also guides the country towards peace and resilience by assisting in the transition of armed groups to civilians, establishing transitional justice systems and community platforms, and providing socioeconomic opportunities for those in conflict-affected areas.

UNDP also emphasizes human rights, gender equality, empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable populations, and innovation as fundamental, guiding principles throughout its work.

UNDP partners with many government agencies and development stakeholders throughout the Philippines. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) serves as UNDP’s government counterparts, while many other nation and local agencies act as implementing partners for its projects. UNDP also works with international partners, the private sector and civil society organizations for the implementation of UNDP’s programmes.

The Accelerating NDC through Circular Economy in Cities (ACE) Project, implemented by the UNDP with support from the Government of Japan, aims to support the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) through enabling and accelerating the country’s transition to circular economy (CE), with demonstrations in key cities. By doing so, it will help the country achieve economic, social, and environmental goals, while also grasping the potential for substantial and accelerated reductions in GHG emissions across all sectors, while also supporting recovery from the pandemic.