The United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund provides USD $480,430 to strengthen national capacities in Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam to design and implement public sector innovation strategy for accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals

Project narrative

In 2016, the Chinese Government pledged to contribute $200 million to the United Nations over a ten year period. The United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF) was established to channel these earmarked funds to specific projects in coordination with the UN. The UNPDF is divided into two sub-funds: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund and The Secretary-General's Peace and Security Sub-Fund. Approved in 2023 by UNPDF, USD $480,430 was allocated from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund to enhance the institutional capacities of government officials in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam by encouraging the prioritization of innovation practices and fostering innovation experimentation in the public sector. While having an innovation strategy or creating an innovation hub is not an end in itself, it will provide a clearer roadmap for achieving the SDGs and will position governments to better utilize their limited resources, promote inclusive development and create a resilient society at all levels of the government. This project will outline a vision for public sector innovation within their existing national development plan or SDG implementation plan to facilitate sustainable and inclusive development, specifically SDGs 16 ("peace, justice, and strong institutions") and 17 ("partnerships for the goals"). The implementing entity is UNDESA. Collaborating partners include target country ministries with a focus on public sector reform or innovation, Academia and public sector training institutions, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Project duration is scheduled for October 2024 - September 2027.