The UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029 was developed in a world vastly different from 2020, when the previous plan was conceived. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, many developing countries continue to face long-term economic challenges. Global cooperation is strained, financing for development is under pressure, and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has weakened. Despite these challenges, UNDP approached the design of the new plan with optimism, emphasizing the continued importance of its mission to expand human choices for a fair and sustainable future. The organization aims to remain a reliable partner for development, even amid growing uncertainty.
One of the most significant shifts since 2020 has been the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), which now influences nearly every aspect of development. While AI poses challenges due to its speed and unpredictability, it also offers UNDP powerful analytical tools to understand complex global dynamics. AI was instrumental in analyzing extensive data on UNDP’s value, impact, and opportunities, providing deeper insights into the possible futures that lie ahead.
The planning process for the new Strategic Plan relied heavily on a data-driven, partner-led approach. UNDP conducted over 580 consultations across 116 countries with governments, the private sector, and civil society. These conversations provided valuable insights into partners’ priorities and where they sought UNDP’s support. Complementary analyses from country programmes, independent evaluations, and global studies enriched the evidence base. The data revealed that UNDP’s greatest strengths lie in its integrated, cross-sectoral approach, addressing challenges like gender inequality, poverty, and environmental degradation through systemic solutions rather than isolated interventions.
AI analytics were central to making sense of the vast amount of information gathered. Advanced tools enabled UNDP to identify patterns and insights across large datasets that would have been impossible to process manually. For instance, AI helped organize and interpret thousands of responses to open-ended consultations, mapping them to strategic priorities. However, UNDP emphasized a balanced “bionic” approach—combining AI capabilities with human judgment and expertise. The data and insights generated now serve as a shared knowledge base, enhancing programme design and decision-making across the organization.
The new plan also benefits from UNDP’s strengthened foresight capabilities, which have evolved significantly since the previous strategy. Over 500 “signal scanners” contribute to the Future Trends and Signals System (FTSS), providing real-time insights into emerging global changes. Foresight techniques were used extensively to anticipate risks, threats, and opportunities for development in the years ahead. Collaboration with other UN agencies and external experts helped ensure that the strategy reflects diverse perspectives on the global development landscape.
Building on lessons from the uncertainty of the COVID-19 era, UNDP used foresight and scenario planning to test the resilience of its new strategic framework against multiple possible futures. This approach helped identify recurring risks and emerging vulnerabilities, ensuring that the plan remains flexible and adaptable. Through its growing experience with foresight, UNDP has developed tools and methodologies that strengthen not only strategic planning but also risk management and country-level implementation.
Ultimately, while no strategy can be entirely “future-proof,” the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is designed to be resilient in an era of rapid change. By embracing uncertainty, leveraging AI and foresight, and grounding its priorities in evidence and partnership, UNDP aims to continue delivering integrated solutions that drive systemic transformation for people and the planet.
