United Nations

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP/PAPP)

In December 1978, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 33/147, which called on UNDP to provide assistance to the Palestinian people. By this date, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip had endured over 10 years of occupation, which had lead to increased levels of poverty and unemployment. Hundreds of thousands were living in refugee camps in slum conditions without the most basic amenities. Infrastructure had been allowed to deteriorate, including schools, health facilities, housing, roads, and water and sanitation systems, despite the steady population growth.

In response to the UN resolution in support of the economic and social development of the Palestinian people, UNDP launched the Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP). A programme office was established, initially in New York and subsequently in East Jerusalem. A donor campaign was organised, and field operations commenced in August 1980.

The main goal of UNDP/PAPP is to work with the Palestinian people to fulfil their vision of a peaceful, sustainable, and equitable society, with a focus on two major thematic areas: poverty reduction and democratic governance. This will be achieved by:

• Promoting sustainable livelihoods, economic recovery and self-reliance through: a) broad-based human development and promotion of the achievement of the MDGs, b) improving essential infrastructure for economic and social development, and c) enhancing equitable economic development;

• Enhancing the development of efficient and accountable institutions through strengthening a) inclusive participation and b) responsive governing institutions. 

Key cross-cutting dimensions such as capacity development, gender, environmental sustainability, and crisis sensitivity will be addressed in all programmatic endeavours.