MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Prime Minister
The Government will provide $4.5 million to the United Nations Development Programme, including supporting Haiti's recovery following the recent devastating earthquake.
The Prime Minister made this commitment at a meeting today with Helen Clark, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Australia will provide $2.5 million to the UNDP Cash-for-Work program, providing short-term paid employment for the people of Haiti; reversing their plight as they rebuild their lives following this tragic event. This funding is part of the $15 million assistance package announced by the Government on 19 January.
Australia will also give $2 million to the UNDP Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) to support their efforts to reduce the impact of natural disasters, help prevent armed conflicts, and assist in recovery from crises.
The combined $4.5 million investment reflects the strong partnership between the Government and UNDP. Under Helen Clark's leadership, the UNDP has been instilled with a new sense of vigour, transparency and increased focus on the needs of the world's poor.
Australia is committed to continuing to work with UNDP across its broad agenda. including promoting free and fair electoral processes, reforming justice systems, strengthening natural disaster management and improving environmental management.
In December 2008, Australia and the UNDP also signed a four-year $68 million partnership agreement.This provides funding certainty and establishes a clear basis for our future work with UNDP under Helen Clark's stewardship.