UNFPA’s work increasingly critical in a more complex global environment, new assessment finds

As UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive agency, enters the final year of its current strategic plan, a new report has confirmed the agency’s vital role in a rapidly changing world.

The Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network, also known as MOPAN, evaluated UNFPA’s organisational performance, effectiveness and results, concluding that UNFPA is a highly relevant and effective organization that is successfully delivering on its mandate despite a challenging global landscape.  

Adapting to change

The assessment highlights the significance of UNFPA’s work in supporting vulnerable populations, particularly in the face of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. UNFPA is commended for being adaptable and flexible, qualities that have rendered it “highly relevant”,  and able to maintain critical services amid crises and unforeseen circumstances.

In the words of the report, UNFPA’s achievements remain “highly relevant” to beneficiaries, especially the most vulnerable populations.

A visionary and humanitarian player 

As UNFPA will soon embark on its next strategic plan, aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda, the MOPAN assessment provides valuable guidance for a future-focused approach. Key recommendations include maintaining a strong focus on climate change, fostering a result-oriented approach and sustaining its decentralized model to enhance agility.

Since 2022, UNFPA’s has positioned itself as a vital humanitarian actor, with the Strategic Plan 2022-2025 being the first to include a dedicated focus on its work in crises. This is reflected in the agency’s recognition of the importance of safeguarding achievements in ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending violence during crises.

This commitment is evident in the increased contributions received for humanitarian funding, from $294 million in 2019 to $444 million in 2023. UNFPA also strengthened its localization efforts, partnering with 360 local and national actors, making up 80 per cent of its implementing partners.

In 2024 alone, UNFPA equipped approximately 3,500 health facilities in humanitarian contexts and supported over 1,600 safe spaces for women and girls. However, the report notes that a stronger link between humanitarian and development programmes is essential for achieving sustainable, long-term outcomes.

Effective, efficient and sustainable

The MOPAN assessment also praises UNFPA’s efforts in strengthening partnerships, diversifying its funding sources, and embracing UN reforms:

• Partnerships with international financial institutions saw a 29 per cent growth in funding.
• UNFPA boasts one of the highest numbers of core donors among UN agencies, with 95 core contributors in 2023, demonstrating trust in its mission. 
• UNFPA participates in the greatest number of UN joint programmes of all UN agencies.

Looking ahead

Despite these successes, a changing development landscape with increased earmarking and a strong focus on humanitarian response presents huge challenges for the years ahead. The new recognition by MOPAN offers an opportunity to reiterate a strong call to government donors, private sector partners, philanthropic organizations, regional banks and others to intensify their engagement and sustain the agency’s critical work.

As the world approaches the 2030 Agenda deadline, the MOPAN assessment serves as a reminder, if need be, of UNFPA’s indispensable role in global health and development. Now more than ever, partners and donors must rally behind UNFPA’s mandate.

With this proven commitment to strategic priorities and continuous improvement, UNFPA can remain a leading force in achieving a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.