Governments are reporting the highest levels of satisfaction with UN development support since reforms of the development system began nearly a decade ago. But continued progress will depend on sustained political engagement and more predictable financing.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General discusses how the Resident Coordinator system has supported more effective responses to needs in countries, while also sharing how the system is adapting to global crises amid budgetary constraints.
At the 2026 ECOSOC Operational Activities for Development Segment, the UN Secretary-General highlighted key findings from the UNSDG Chair Report, including progress made due to reforms in the UN development system and four areas where action is essential.
Working with the UN and partners, the Dominican Republic conducted an unprecedented national survey to capture the perspectives of over 4,000 women and girls, whose inputs informed the country's contribution at the Commission on the Status of Women.
As AI increasingly affects Small Island Developing States, they must have a say in who will shape it, under what rules and in whose interest. Through frameworks, programmes and assessments, the UN is supporting Jamaica and its youth to thrive in a technical world.
Nestled in the Ring of Fire, Tonga is the world's second most at-risk country to natural hazards. Under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, the UN is working with partners to chart a future for the island that is not only resilient, but also sustainable.
Contending with unreliable electricity, a hospital in Zimbabwe is receiving support from the Joint SDG Fund and partners to implement clean energy installations that will ensure service continuity and offer a model to other health facilities.
At the Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General outlines how GDP, while important, fails to capture the progression and regression of indicators vital to sustainable development, such as human and planetary well-being.
With an energy system facing longstanding challenges, the Philippines and the UN are working together both nationally and in local communities to implement clean energy solutions, improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and ensure an inclusive green transition.
With support from the Joint SDG Fund, the UN and partners, a home-grown school feeding initiative in Kenya's Embu County links farmers to schools via cooperatives, turning harvests into meals that fuel economic growth and improve students' nutrition and retention.
