UNCDF Strategic Framework 2026-2029

A joint roadmap

In preparation for the Strategic Framework 2026-2029, UNCDF is undergoing an inclusive consultation process to integrate its partner’s viewpoints and development priorities. This process was launched by the UNCDF Managing Director in November 2024 and will continue through the fall of 2025, before the finalized Strategic Framework 2026-2029 will be presented for consideration by the Executive Board at its first regular session in February 2026.

As of September 2025, UNCDF has engaged with 70 Member States and 138 partners.

The UNCDF Strategic Framework 2026-2029 arrives at a critical moment for development finance, with the Compromiso de Sevilla—adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) — underscoring the urgency and the gaps in global efforts to resource the world’s most vulnerable economies. As fiscal space narrows and debt burdens rise, many developing countries remain excluded from mainstream capital flows. Investing in these communities is critical to safeguarding livelihoods and advancing the 2030 Agenda.

Its unique mandate within the UN system enables UNCDF to deploy risk-tolerant, catalytic capital to crowd in and catalyze private and public finance in high-risk markets where traditional financial institutions struggle—first and foremost in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other developing countries facing similar fragile, early-stage market conditions, such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

November 2024
February 2025
April 2025
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
June 2025
June 2025
July 2025
Sept-Oct 2025
September 2025
February 2026
September 2025
Launch of the Consultation Process with Permanent Missions at UN Headquarters
UNCDF’s Managing Director and Executive Secretary engaged Permanent Missions on UNCDF’s role in mobilizing capital and de-risking investments in high-risk markets. Participants raised their national priorities, including financing for climate adaptation and resilience, food security, and energy.
Consultations at the Finance in Common Summit
At the Finance in Common Summit (FICS), UNCDF engaged with Public Development Banks, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), asset managers and development partners on sustainable infrastructure financing, investment in Africa, and reforms to global financial systems.
Consultation at the 81st Session of UNESCAP
With support of the Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific, UNCDF gathered Member State representatives to discuss how UNCDF could contribute to their development priorities. In cooperation with Convergence, UNCDF also offered an overview of innovative development finance solutions.
Consultation at the 81st Session of UNESCAP
Consultation at the 2025 Conference of the Parties to the BRS COP
The consultation engaged Ministers and senior officials from the agriculture, energy and environmental sectors who expressed interest in partnering with UNCDF on agriculture and climate finance.
Consultation at the 2025 Conference of the Parties to the BRS COP
Consultations at the ESCAP Second Committee on Trade, Business and Development
Member State representatives shared their thoughts on the necessity of accompanying the deployment of financial instruments with technical advisory in low-income countries, prioritizing support of MSMEs, and developing markets to unlock follow-on investment, fostering sustainable finance.
Consultation with Permanent Missions at UN Headquarters
Participants of the Permanent Missions welcomed UNCDF’s focus on financial derisking, its role in catalyzing domestic capital, and operational agility. They also highlighted the need to retain a demand-driven value proposition, deepen engagement at the country level, and strengthen visibility.
Consultations at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Annual Meeting
UNCDF conducted meetings with country delegations, MDBs and IFIs to surface country-specific project needs, opportunities to provide concessional capital or guarantees to unlock MDB lending, and entry points for deeper programmatic collaboration or co-creation of financial instruments.
Consultations at the London Climate Week in partnership with Lloyd’s and Aon
Lloyd’s roundtable on “Global Disaster Resilience Vehicle: providing innovative risk financing to climate-vulnerable countries” at the margins of the London Climate Week led to fruitful engagements with partners from the public and private sector that validated UNCDF’s unique value proposition.
Consultations at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
Key insights from Member State delegations, UN entities, DFIs, MDBs and private investment institutions included prioritizing UNCDF’s focus on LDCs, landlocked, and fragile states, ensuring MSME support, and deepening partnerships with the private sector to leverage additional finance.
Consultations at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
Draft Strategic Framework document circulated for feedback
UNCDF shares the draft Strategic Framework with Member States and other partners for comments.
Consultation with Permanent Missions at UN Headquarters
UNCDF presents and discusses with Member States the revised draft Strategic Framework. It is an opportunity for Permanent Missions at UN Headquarters to provide additional recommendations and feedback before the official submission in February 2026.
Executive Board First Regular Session
UNCDF's Strategic Framework 2026-2029 is presented for consideration by the Executive Board at its first regular session in 2026.