The speech reflects on the global commitment made ten years ago by world leaders, including Ethiopia, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure dignity and equality for all. Ethiopia has strongly embraced this agenda, integrating it into its national development plans and making progress in education, healthcare, renewable energy, and gender equality. The country’s climate and reforestation efforts also demonstrate its dedication to sustainable growth.
However, as 2030 approaches, the global environment for achieving the SDGs has become increasingly challenging. The rise of protectionism, weakening multilateralism, ongoing conflicts, and shrinking development aid have strained global solidarity. Despite these setbacks, the need for sustainable development remains more urgent than ever to secure global prosperity and environmental balance.
In this context, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), guided by the Government and people of Ethiopia, has launched its new five-year Country Programme Document (CPD). This initiative is designed as a final push toward achieving the SDGs. The launch is being held jointly with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), highlighting the interconnection between Ethiopia’s demographic trends and development priorities. The two agencies aim to help Ethiopia achieve a demographic dividend through aligned strategies.
The new programme emphasizes five key shifts to address current global and national challenges. The first is moving from project-based approaches to strategic partnerships and policy influence. UNDP plans to focus on providing high-quality policy advice, strengthening institutions, and leveraging local expertise and global South knowledge hubs.
Second, the programme seeks to catalyze investment as a development accelerator, shifting away from reliance on traditional aid. UNDP will support Ethiopia in mobilizing domestic resources, engaging the private sector, and attracting South–South and triangular cooperation to promote sovereign, mutually beneficial growth.
Third, UNDP will prioritize building national systems and strengthening local governance rather than delivering services directly. This approach aims to enhance institutional capacity and solidify the social contract between citizens and the state.
Fourth, UNDP and UNFPA commit to deepening UN system coherence, offering an integrated package of support that includes youth employment, social cohesion, gender equality, and data-driven policymaking. This collaborative model embodies the “One UN” principle to ensure no one is left behind.
Fifth, the agencies will modernize their operations by enhancing staff skills, fostering collaboration with local partners, and focusing on measurable impact. Success will be gauged by the effectiveness and sustainability of outcomes rather than the scale of projects.
The speech concludes with a call for stronger partnerships. Development partners are encouraged to provide flexible, long-term funding, while the Ethiopian government’s leadership remains crucial for success. The private sector, civil society, and academia are also invited to co-create and drive the programme forward.
With unified action, clear purpose, and equitable partnerships, the five-year UNDP-UNFPA programme aims to turn challenges into opportunities and accelerate Ethiopia’s path toward inclusive prosperity and sustainable peace.
