24 February 2016 – Today the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) celebrated the 50th anniversary since its establishment in 1966 with a special day at UN Headquarters in New York. Since 2009, the Programme has been led by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, who oversees its activities in more than 170 countries.
More than 130 delegations from every corner of the world – at least 70 at the ministerial level – took part in the celebration. This wide participation demonstrates the universal impact of UNDP, which is now facing the challenge of having to adapt to the new priorities imposed by Agenda 2030.
Italy was represented at the special day by the Hon. Vincenzo Amendola, the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs. His presence helped to express and strengthen the historical collaboration between Italy and UNDP. Since 2015, Italy has stepped up its financial contribution to the Programme’s regular budget, securing Italy’s place as one of the top donors.
The creation of the new Italian Agency for Development Cooperation will take this collaboration even further, also given the increased funding that starting in 2016 has been allocated to international development cooperation.
The working sessions and convivial moments during the day of celebrations gave the Undersecretary the opportunity to have a series of bilateral meetings with Ministers from countries where Italian cooperation is active and of Countries that could be future beneficiaries.
