Overview

Australia's support to multilateral development organisations is an important component of the International Development Policy. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing pressures in the multilateral system and demonstrated the importance of shaping international responses to address global challenges. Australia is working with multilateral organisations to help ensure the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals are met.

Australia provides both core and non-core funding to UNDP and UNICEF as well as emergency funding to respond to specific and urgent humanitarian and environmental needs.

In 2022-23, Australia provided $13 million in core funding to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and $19 million to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

UNDP

UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. In alignment with Australia's priorities, UNDP is mandated to end poverty, support democratic governance, strengthen the rule of law, and build inclusive institutions. UNDP is strengthening health care systems, providing social protection to vulnerable populations, and assessing the impact of the pandemic to help countries recover from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

UNICEF

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to protect and promote the rights of children, support child health and nutrition, protect children from violence, exploitation, and HIV, and works to expand children's opportunities so they can reach their full potential. Australian funding to UNICEF contributes to things like health security including delivery of vaccines, water, sanitation and hygiene, gender equality, and resilience.