Our Mission and Vision

The UNDP Adaptation initiative was established in response to the growing urgency of climate change impacts worldwide. As part of the broader United Nations Development Programme's commitment to sustainable development, our organization focuses specifically on building resilience to climate change through innovative approaches, strategic partnerships, and community-led solutions.

Our History and Evolution

Founded in 2008, UNDP Adaptation emerged from the recognition that climate change posed a significant threat to development progress, particularly in vulnerable regions. Our work began with pilot projects in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where climate impacts were already being felt most acutely.

Over the past 15 years, we have expanded our reach to over 100 countries, working with governments, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and local communities to implement adaptation measures across various sectors including agriculture, water resources, coastal management, and urban planning.

Our flagship Africa Adaptation Programme, launched in 2015, represents one of our most significant achievements, demonstrating how coordinated, continent-wide adaptation initiatives can deliver transformative results.

Our Approach to Adaptation

We believe that effective climate adaptation requires an integrated approach that combines scientific knowledge with local expertise. Our methodology is built on four key pillars:

• Science-Based Planning: Utilizing the latest climate science and vulnerability assessments to inform adaptation strategies
• Community-Led Implementation: Empowering local communities to design and implement adaptation measures that address their specific needs and contexts
• Ecosystem-Based Solutions: Leveraging natural systems and biodiversity as cost-effective and sustainable adaptation resources
• Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Creating platforms for sharing best practices and building institutional and technical capacity at all levels

Geographic Reach and Impact

UNDP Adaptation operates globally with regional hubs in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, and the Arab States. Our projects are tailored to address region-specific climate challenges while contributing to global adaptation goals.

To date, our initiatives have:

• Supported over 50 countries in developing and implementing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)
• Assisted more than 15,000 communities in adopting climate-resilient practices
• Trained over 25,000 government officials and community leaders in adaptation planning and implementation
• Mobilized more than $2.5 billion in adaptation financing for vulnerable countries
• Protected over 5 million hectares of critical ecosystems through nature-based adaptation solutions

Partnerships and Collaboration

We recognize that no single organization can address the complex challenge of climate adaptation alone. That's why we work through strategic partnerships with:

• National Governments: Supporting policy development, institutional strengthening, and implementation of adaptation measures
• Local Communities and Indigenous Groups: Ensuring adaptation strategies are culturally appropriate and build on local knowledge
• Research Institutions and Universities: Advancing adaptation science and developing innovative solutions
• Private Sector Organizations: Mobilizing investment and developing climate-resilient business models
• International Organizations: Coordinating global efforts and sharing knowledge across regions

These partnerships enable us to leverage diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives to develop more effective and sustainable adaptation solutions.

Looking to the Future

As climate impacts intensify, the need for adaptation will only grow. Our strategic priorities for the coming decade include:

• Scaling Successful Approaches: Expanding proven adaptation models to reach more communities and countries
• Innovation and Technology: Harnessing digital technologies and innovative financing mechanisms for adaptation
• Youth Engagement: Empowering young people as leaders and innovators in climate adaptation
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Strengthening systems to track adaptation progress and demonstrate impact
• Policy Influence: Advocating for increased ambition and investment in adaptation at global climate negotiations

We invite you to join us in this critical work. Whether through partnership, knowledge sharing, or support for our programmes, together we can build a more climate-resilient world.

Learn more about our specific initiatives like the Africa Adaptation Programme or read our analysis on climate change debates and science communication.