United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and poverty reduction : a case study for the OECD [Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development] DAC [Development Assistance Committee] informal network on poverty reduction scoping study

UNDP has also narrowed its focus and strengthened coordination among other bilateral and multilateral donors, instead of tackling issues on its own. UNDP"s highest priority is "capacity development for poverty eradication" through Sustainable Human Development (SHD). UNDP has transformed itself into a poverty reduction agency -- going beyond "mainstreaming" to make poverty reduction its core goal, not just a component. Interviews with staff revealed extensive agreement that poverty reduction is the core message of the agency, and is to be considered in all aspects of its work at the headquarters, regional, subregional, and country offices. UNDP estimates that about half of its total resources "now go to country level programs that can have a direct impact on poverty through improved livelihoods, greater gender equality, better natural resource management, and governance that is more democratic." As the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/Development Assistance Committee (OECD/DAC) Poverty Reduction Network considers how best to provide guidelines for country assistance programs, it is important to consider the potential role of UNDP as a leader, listener, and catalyst for donor coordination and measurement of the poverty problem and progress toward addressing it. (Author abstract, modified)