The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development by providing a core (regular) resources contribution to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), according to a press release issued by UNDP on May 6, 2026. The announcement, made jointly from New York and Dhaka, underscores Bangladesh’s continued engagement with the global development architecture. The annual contribution takes the form of flexible, core funding intended to help UNDP respond to increasingly complex global challenges. It reflects priorities Bangladesh continues to pursue, including inclusive growth, climate resilience, and effective governance. These priorities closely align with UNDP’s global mission.
Bangladesh and UNDP share a partnership spanning five decades, dating back to the country’s independence in 1971. UNDP has been a longstanding development partner of Bangladesh throughout that period. The renewed contribution comes as Bangladesh advances its development goals, including graduation from Least Developed Country status. Core resources remain essential to UNDP’s ability to act quickly when crises emerge. They also enable the organization to deliver on its mandate across multiple regions.
Flexible core funding plays a crucial role in supporting UNDP’s Strategic Plan, which is implemented across more than 170 countries and territories. Such contributions allow the organization to direct development efforts where they are needed most. They also strengthen UNDP’s oversight and accountability functions. This helps ensure that programmes are delivered effectively, efficiently, and transparently. Bangladesh’s contribution directly supports these functions.
Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, welcomed the renewed support.
“We deeply appreciate our five decades long partnership with Bangladesh, and its contribution to UNDP core resources is a real testament to this,” she said.
She added that as Bangladesh advances its development goals, including graduation from Least Developed Country status, its continued support to multilateralism underscores its commitment to advance global sustainable development. Her remarks highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. They also framed Bangladesh’s contribution within the broader context of global cooperation.
The Honourable Minister of Finance of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, emphasized the newly elected Government’s commitment to advancing sustainable development both domestically and globally. He noted that Bangladesh is proud to share its development experience with countries across the Global South. He described UNDP as a longstanding development partner since independence in 1971. He expressed the Government’s intention to further strengthen cooperation with UNDP. The renewed contribution reaffirms Bangladesh’s support for the multilateral system and sustainable development worldwide.