On the occasion of UN Day, the United Nations in Iran launched the summary report of the work completed during 2012-2013 under the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for the Islamic Republic of Iran, on October 29.
The UNDAF is the overall guiding strategy for the United Nations’ development work in Iran, discussed and agreed upon with the Iranian government in 2011, according to a press release from the UN Information Center, Tehran.
Covering the period 2012-2016, it addresses five priority areas – poverty reduction, health, environmentally sustainable development, natural disaster management, and drug reduction and control. In terms of achievements, to date, most of the results have been delivered in the areas of health and the environment. But all areas have shown results.
“The UNDAF report provides a concise, fact-based overview of the work of the UN in Iran during 2012-2013,” the release said.
One challenge faced by all UN agencies is that of funding constraints and resource mobilization. The UNDAF budget requirement for 2012-2016 was estimated at around $160 million, of which, a significant amount still has to be raised. Of the amount already raised, during 2012-2013, $44 million – or approximately 30% of the original budget – has been spent, it said.
“This report reflects the diversity and extent of the UNDAF program,” says Gary Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Iran. “Our achievements so far will guide us towards the completion of the current framework. As we look to the remainder of the UNDAF cycle in 2015 and 2016, the UN in Iran will be working hard to achieve our joint targets. We will build on lessons learned,” he said.
