How the reform is shaping up in the country

In 2022 the UNCT and the RC, together with the RCO team in Cabo Verde, demonstrated much dedication towards crafting the new UNCF 2023-2027. The UN’s reform strategy aimed to usher in a new generation of UNCF that represents a shift away from traditional, project-based approaches to development cooperation towards a more collaborative, holistic approach that takes into account the interconnected nature of sustainable development challenges.

The UN worked closely with the Government, development partners, civil society, and other key partners to identify and prioritize development needs in alignment with the country’s new National Development Plan for the 2022- 2026 (PEDS II) cycle as well as the country ownership and leadership,  ensuring that the efforts were aligned with national priorities and tailored to the specific needs of Cabo Verde. The goal was to support Cabo Verde’s sustainable development and achievement of the SDGs. The UNCF was validated at the highest levels by the UNCT and the Government, with over 100 partners and all diplomatic corps in attendance. This provided an opportunity to discuss the “what” and “how” of the next generation of UNCF, with full support and endorsement from the Government and all partners, including many statements of strong commitment for the UN Development System (UNDS) reform and the UN leadership.

Under the UNCT/RC leadership, the UN secured many more UN entities and new capacities to the country, including UNECA, ITU, WFP, and WIPO, as well as the World Bank. All these new entities signed the new UNCF 2023-2027 as a demonstration of the relevance and credibility of the UN, and thanks to the support of an extremely professional RCO. Thanks to the UN’s engagement with the Government and diverse partners, it was able to provide relevant data and scientific technical assistance for the World Bank and other donors to bring additional resources to the country.

The UN Development Coordination Office has in Cabo Verde a real example of why the UNDS reform matters. As often mentioned by the Government, the European Union, Luxembourg, the World Bank, and other key partners, the UN in Cabo Verde is strong, with a highly focused new UNCF embraced by more UN entities against a common strategy, commended by all partners and notably the Government, civil society, NGOs, academia and private sector that actively participated in the design, solid financial status, and, more importantly, a more coherent, cohesive, proud, and united UNCT.

The UN RCO in Cabo Verde has a clear strategy and work plan to support the UNCT in defining and delivering on the substantive priorities identified in the PEDS II and the Joint Annual Workplan jointly developed on an annual basis to implement the new UNCF. The UN RCO contributes to and benefits from the Regional Collaborative Platforms, facilitating knowledge sharing and learning, supporting effective joint communication and advocacy efforts,  and increasing accountability for collective results, data collection including through results reporting with Government and partners.

Overall, the UN’s reform strategy in Cabo Verde represents a strong commitment to sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs through partnership and collaboration with the Government, development partners, civil society, NGOs, academia and the private sector.