Finland Contributes €1 Million to UNDP Core Funding to Boost Global SDG Efforts

The Government of Finland has announced a €1 million contribution in flexible core resources to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for 2025, reinforcing its longstanding partnership with the UN’s development arm. The funding will help accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure swift, targeted responses in regions facing the greatest challenges.

Importance of Flexible Core Resources

Unlike earmarked funds, flexible core resources provide UNDP with unrestricted financing that can be directed where needs are most urgent. This adaptability is particularly vital in contexts of protracted crises, conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies, where rapid responses can save lives and strengthen resilience.

In Ukraine, for example, UNDP’s access to core funding has enabled it to deliver emergency assistance, recovery support, and resilience programmes amid ongoing instability. By channeling resources swiftly, UNDP has been able to support local governance structures, sustain essential services, and protect the most vulnerable populations.

According to UNDP, such funding ensures interventions that are not only relevant and efficient, but also impactful and sustainable, especially in volatile environments.

Finland’s Role in Global Development

Finland is recognized as a strong supporter of multilateral cooperation and development financing, consistently ranking among the most reliable contributors to the UN system. Its latest contribution underscores the country’s commitment to global solidarity and sustainable development.

Through its partnership with UNDP, Finland seeks to advance several shared priorities, including:

• Empowering women and girls through education, leadership, and economic opportunities.

• Strengthening inclusive governance and the rule of law, ensuring justice and equal access to services.

• Advancing digitalization as a tool for inclusive growth and better service delivery.

• Accelerating climate action, with a focus on adaptation, renewable energy, and biodiversity protection.

• Mobilizing additional investments for sustainable development across low- and middle-income countries.

UNDP’s Global Mandate

As the UN’s lead development agency, UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories, helping governments and communities achieve the SDGs. Its work spans poverty reduction, democratic governance, peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, and resilience-building.

UNDP relies primarily on voluntary contributions from UN Member States, and flexible resources such as Finland’s contribution are among the most valued forms of support. These resources provide the organization with the ability to anticipate needs, deploy expertise rapidly, and scale solutions where they are most needed.

Looking Ahead

The new funding commitment strengthens the long-standing strategic partnership between Finland and UNDP, ensuring that their joint work continues to deliver results for vulnerable communities worldwide.

In a joint statement, UNDP emphasized the value of Finland’s trust and partnership: “We greatly appreciate Finland’s commitment to supporting sustainable development. This contribution will help us continue to deliver innovative, inclusive, and transformative solutions so that no one is left behind.”

As global crises become increasingly interconnected — from climate change to geopolitical instability — Finland’s support exemplifies the kind of flexible, reliable financing that will be essential in building a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous world for all.