The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to drive and sustain growth and development that improves the quality of life for everyone in countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Mongolia, and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.
“UNDP is pleased to sign this MOU which brings the expertise and solutions of UNDP and EBRD together in support of sustainable development process,” said Helen Clark, Administrator of the UNDP. “By working together with EBRD, we can promote innovative partnerships and solutions which can create jobs, promote SME growth, tackle corruption and support transparent, accountable and efficient government.”
EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti added: “We are very pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP today because it will facilitate deeper cooperation between our two institutions. We share a focus on local economic development where, in addition to providing access to finance, we are increasingly working on key issues like governance, inclusion and integration. We are also in full agreement that implementation is key.”
Through this partnership, the two organisations will work together on issues such as strengthening democratic governance, local economic development, gender equality, civil society, and regional cooperation and integration.
Through their global and regional networks, UNDP and EBRD will also share information about strategic priorities, needs and opportunities about possible new initiatives.