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Financing the UN Development System

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What is the total revenue of the UN system?

Total revenue of the UN system was US$ 65.9 billion in 2021

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How is the total revenue of the UN system in real terms?

In 2021 UN funding decreased in real value compared to 2020, from US$ 62.6 billion to US$ 62.3 billion

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How is UN funding distributed?

UN funding is distributed among four financial instruments: assessed, voluntary core, earmarked and revenue from other activities

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What is the share of UN earmarked funding?

61% of UN funding was earmarked in 2021

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Who funds the UN?

More than 70% of UN funding is from direct contributions by governments

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Who is being funded and how?

In 2021, ten Members States provided more than 50% of funding to 47 UN entities

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How are inter-agency pooled funds funded?

The capitalization of Inter-agency pooled funds surpassed US$ 3.4 billion in 2021

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Total expenditure of the UN was US$ 60.5 billion in 2021

67% of UN expenditure was linked to the SDGs in 2020

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What is the expenditure on humanitarian and development assistance?

In 2021, the expenditure for humanitarian assistance was US$ 25.2 billion and for development assistance it was US$19.9 billion

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How is UN expenditure on different SDGs?

77% of UN expenditure was linked to the SDGs in 2021

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How is UN expenditure in crisis-affected countries?

The five crisis-affected countries with the highest expenditure levels were recipients of 18% of UN expenditure in 2021

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Annual Report 2023

Choices In Uncertain Times

Financing the UN Development System: Choices in Uncertain Times, is the 9th edition in this report series and offers in-depth overview of the financing dynamics of the UN Development System. It maintains focus on financial data quality, development of effective monitoring tools and broadening the data presentation. Contributors share options of how to deal with the current global challenges and provide several success stories.

In these troubled and turbulent times, the UN development system must be able to rely on predictable and flexible financing to meet its growing operational demands in the face of compounding challenges. The shared perspectives shape our commitment to galvanise unified, strategic, and integrated approaches to the SDGs. Thus prompting the channelling of resources to build resilience, mitigate risks, and prevent crises and armed conflicts. Such a financial commitment is instrumental in actualising the 2030 Agenda.

The choice is evident, it is ours to make, and it defines the challenges of our uncertain times.

Download the 2023 Report

Part One, United Nations resource flows provides an analysis of the current United Nations Development System (UNDS) funding landscape, based on the most up-to-date official data sources. Recognising, as UN Member States and Organisations have, that both the quality and quantity of funding impacts the UN’s ability to fulfil its functions. The data and analysis included in this section of the report encompasses evidence and insights into the volume and characteristics of full range of funding flows of the UNDS. Namely assessed contributions; voluntary core contributions; earmarked funding; and revenue from other activities.

Part Two takes a big picture perspective looking at international financing flows.

It is followed by a series of expert reflections on how to create greater impact through quality financing.

Part Three is an expansion of some of the ideas in Part Two with The art of scaling up and partnerships. Chapter one is looking at scaling pathways and the SDGs, debt management and localisation and scaling.

Part Three chapter two once again brings building resilience into focus. The authors review data, discuss opportunities, raise important system driven questions. It covers a broad range of issues including how to finance local institutions fighting violence against women and girls; pooled resources to strengthen peacebuilding; and raising the critically important role of young people in creating safer communities.

September 2023

Choices In Uncertain Times (2023)

This report aims to offer an in-depth overview of the financing system and mechanisms of the United Nations development system. The 2023 edition, the 9th in this report series maintains the focus on financial data. It provides a marketplace of ideas drawing the collected insights from contributors spanning international financial institutions, the private sector, UN experts, government officials, civil society and academia, that we hope will contribute to enhancing multilateral engagement.

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About

The Joint Initiative

The annual report on Financing the UN Development System is the result of a longstanding partnership between the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office.

Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation

The Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation is a non-governmental organisation established in memory of the second Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Foundation aims to advance dialogue and policy for sustainable development, multilateralism and peace.

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Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office

The Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office is the UN centre of expertise on pooled financing mechanisms. Hosted by UNDP, it provides fund design and fund administration services to the UN system, national governments and non-governmental partners.

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What is the total revenue of the UN system?