Policy Updates

On April 23, 2025, Belgium and Sweden, through Enabel and the SIDA, have assumed the Co-Presidency of the PN for 2025–2026.\
The PN, a collaboration of 25 European international cooperation organizations, fosters knowledge exchange, strategic dialogue, and joint initiatives with EU institutions. Under the leadership of Enabel and SIDA, the network will prioritize contributions to the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, focusing on energy, critical raw materials, migration, and digitalization. It will also strengthen partnerships with the private sector and align technical assistance with financial instruments.

Other key initiatives include advancing the Team Europe approach, addressing post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria, and engaging in EU-level events such as the Global Gateway Forum. This Co-Presidency aims to enhance the EU’s collective response to global challenges through strategic and visible international cooperation.

On October 2, 2024, Belgium announced a US$10 million contribution to the UNDP to support responses to global crises, including those in the Sahel, Ukraine, and Gaza.

These unearmarked funds will also support flagship programs including the Climate Promise, Crisis Offer, and Gender Strategy, aimed at tackling the root causes of crises. These initiatives will advance UNDP's Strategic Plan 2025, including their efforts to support countries' implementation of the UN SDGs.

The contribution also strengthens UNDP's oversight and accountability functions, ensuring that programs are delivered effectively and with a high level of transparency.