The UN's Role in Grant-financed Development: Is there a Funding Crisis?

This Briefing Paper describes the evolution of the UN's work in development, assesses its contribution to global assistance efforts, and explains how its main components have been financed in the past (and how financial support is changing). The particular focus is on the Development Programme (UNDP), the World Food Programme (WFP), the Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Population Fund (UNFPA), and the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Finally, the possible consequences of recent changes in the volume and nature of funding for grant-assisted development are assessed.