United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

A quarter of the world’s population, or 2 billion people, live in places affected by conflict, according to United Nations Security Council estimates. Delving deeper, the UNDP Multidimensional Poverty Index found that nearly 40 percent of multidime ty Index found that nearly 40 percent of multidimensionally poor people live in countries exposed to violent conflict. These figures crystalize what we know intuitively: conflict drives people and countries into poverty, or keeps them there. Right now, violent conflicts are at their highest levels since the United Nations was founded 80 years ago. To strengthen a global culture of peace and improve the lives of people everywhere, UN Member States have declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. The General Assembly Resolution calls on the international community to redouble efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. Beyond the loss of lives and immense human suffering, conflicts are a significant obstacle to global efforts to reduce poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. That’s why UNDP is on the ground in conflict settings around the world, partnering with governments, communities, civil society, the private sector and with the UN system, to anticipate, prevent respond and recover. About 50 percent of our annual budget is spent in fragile and conflict-affected countries. Before, during and after conflict, here are some ways UNDP works with countries and communities to help people meet their basic needs, protect development gains, and rebuild more quickly once peace is achieved. Prevention is at the heart of UNDP’s approach to sustaining peace. We help countries anticipate and act proactively to mitigate risk and address the root causes of conflict. Prevention isn’t just about preventing violence; it’s about creating spaces for dialogue, strengthening social cohesion, and ensuring that people have opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives. By empowering communities and supporting context-specific solutions, UNDP helps bridge divides, build trust and create resilient societies. Conflicts are less likely when people have access to justice, security, and the ability to exercise their rights. Through its Global Programme on Rule of Law and Human Rights, every year UNDP supports over 100 countries to achieve this. In Mali, UNDP has revitalized traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, particularly the Communal and Village Land Commissions. These commissions, which include traditional leaders, women and youth, play a critical role in mediating land disputes—a primary driver of inter-community conflict. As a result, in 2023, 239 local conflicts were prevented or managed. In Peru, the Tejiendo Ciudadanía (Weaving Citizenship) initiative aims to address political crises by promoting democratic dialogue and citizen participation. It empowers marginalized groups—women, youth and indigenous communities—to engage with the government. In 2024, three civic debates across the country resulted in 45 solutions proposed for a national citizen’s agenda, focusing on democratic governance and sustainable development. UNDP’s work on preventing violent extremism aims to address grievances that can set people on a course to radicalization, while also showing people pathways to leave extremist groups. We work with governments, community leaders and local change agents, including faith-based actors and youth organizations, to provide employment opportunities and promote alternatives to divisive narratives. ...view more