The United Nations says its reformed development system recorded major milestones in 2025, reaching millions of people worldwide with essential services.
According to the UN, the system delivered food assistance to 121 million people, vaccinated 191 million children against measles, and expanded social protection coverage to more than 80 million people.
Presenting a new report to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, said “the strengthened Resident Coordinator System has improved efficiency, effectiveness and alignment with national development priorities.”
She noted that recognition of Resident Coordinators as the main entry point to the UN system has increased from 62 per cent in 2019 to 90 per cent in 2025.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said 94 per cent of governments now consider UN development support effective, and more than half a billion additional people have gained access to essential health services since 2018.
He said the reforms are making the UN development system more responsive and impactful in addressing global development challenges.
Despite the achievements, Guterres warned that declining development financing threatens future progress, with less than 1,700 days remaining to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
He urged member states to provide more stable and flexible funding to sustain UN operations and development efforts.
Separately, Awa Dabo revealed that funding shortages are severely affecting the work of the UN human rights office, leading to staffing cuts, reduced field operations, fewer country visits, and delays in key reports and investigations worldwide.
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