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Executive summary

UNDP1 launched its first Digital Strategy2 in mid-2019 to harness digital transformation within the organization. Building on a long history of project-level digital support for partners3, the strategy represented a systematic and corporate- driven transformation process to reimagine the way UNDP serves its partners and operates its systems and processes. The first Digital Strategy proved to be prescient given the incredible acceleration in digital transformation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNDP has changed significantly since the adoption of the 2019 strategy, developing new capabilities in digital programming and strengthening its digital capabilities. UNDP will continue to accelerate these efforts in response to growing demand from partner governments. UNDP will also continue to support our development partners to ensure that the arc of future digital transformation protects human rights and leaves no one behind.

Digital Strategy 2022-2025 is intended to maintain and accelerate the momentum that has already been generated across UNDP and among its partners. Indeed, many of the components are already in place such as the Accelerator Labs4, the Digital Advocates Network5, a comprehensive IT transformation, and the Chief Digital Office6. Continuing to build the capabilities of UNDP’s workforce to imagine, plan, and implement integrated digital approaches has the potential to truly generate a multiplier effect on its support to partners.

This Digital Strategy is structured in three main parts:

Part 1 – Guiding principles and value proposition: Overview of UNDP’s approach to digital transformation.

Part 2 – Setting the course: Vision, objectives, and outcomes towards which UNDP will continue evolving over the next four years.

Part 3 – Strategy implementation approach and measuring results: High-level approach to implementing the strategy.

The new UNDP Strategic Plan 2022-2025 highlighted the importance of digital as one of the key enablers. This renewed Digital Strategy builds upon the Strategic Plan, and puts forth a vision whereby digital is an empowering force for people and planet. (…)