The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Republic of Korea have expanded their global partnership to support communities affected by conflict and disasters through a new $50 million early recovery initiative.
The second phase of the Relief, Employment and Vital Infrastructure for the Vulnerable in Emergencies (R.E.V.I.V.E.) programme will help approximately 3.8 million people rebuild their lives across six crisis-affected countries: Afghanistan, the State of Palestine (Gaza), Myanmar, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria.
The initiative aims to restore essential infrastructure, improve access to basic services, create emergency employment opportunities, revive local economies, and strengthen community institutions responsible for long-term recovery.
UNDP and South Korea launched the expanded programme as humanitarian needs continue to rise globally, with many crises becoming longer, more complex, and more difficult to address through emergency assistance alone.
UNDP officials emphasized that early recovery efforts are essential to helping communities move from dependence on humanitarian aid toward sustainable rebuilding. The programme focuses on restoring livelihoods, repairing critical infrastructure, and supporting locally led recovery solutions.
The new phase builds on the achievements of R.E.V.I.V.E. Phase I, which was implemented between July 2025 and June 2026. During that period, the initiative helped remove more than 719,000 tonnes of debris, rehabilitate over 10,000 community infrastructure projects, improve shelter conditions for more than 52,000 people, expand access to essential services for over 508,000 people, and support livelihood opportunities for more than 73,000 people.
R.E.V.I.V.E. Phase II will introduce support in Sudan and South Sudan while continuing work in Afghanistan, Gaza, Myanmar, and Syria. The programme will connect infrastructure rehabilitation with employment creation, livelihood recovery, and community-based planning.
The initiative includes a $50 million investment running from July 2026 to July 2027. It is expected to provide direct support to around 1.35 million people, while reaching an additional 2.5 million people indirectly.
A key feature of the programme is the use of AI-powered RAPIDA assessments to help identify recovery priorities and guide targeted interventions in crisis-affected areas.
Through the expanded partnership, UNDP and the Republic of Korea aim to strengthen resilience, rebuild communities, and support countries facing the challenges of conflict, displacement, and disaster recovery.
The initiative reflects a growing focus on early recovery as a critical step between humanitarian response and long-term development, helping communities restore stability and create pathways toward sustainable growth.
