Turning global goals into local action

Capacity development goes beyond building skills. It is about empowering individuals and institutions to turn knowledge into sustainable action, innovation and resilience. 

UN DESA collaborates closely with governments, the UN Resident Coordinator System and other development partners to translate global agreements and analytical insights into impactful solutions at the local level. 

From advancing Indigenous Peoples' rights to equipping countries with governance tools, from modernizing national statistical systems to guiding developing countries to prepare investment-ready projects, UN DESA is at the forefront of driving transformative change. 

In Paraguay, for example, the Department played a key role in helping local governments and Indigenous communities work together to bring the country's National Action Plan for Indigenous Peoples to life.  

In Cambodia, Zambia and Senegal, UN DESA’s support helped these Least Developed Countries (LDCs) navigate the complexities of international trade using the powerful ePing tool to better manage trade opportunities, turning global commerce into a path toward prosperity. 

And in Senegal, Laos and Bhutan, the Department implemented a project to further gender equality in public institutions –fostering transformative change, advancing inclusivity, promoting women's leadership, and enhancing accountability to address women's needs.

UN DESA also joined forces with 23 African countries to promote good governance and sustainable development through the African Peer Review Mechanism. This initiative brought policymakers together to share experiences and action plans aligned with global goals for long-term impact.  

UN DESA’s capacity development approach  

The Department plays a vital role in advancing global efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing cutting-edge, data-driven research and tailored support that empowers nations to address their unique challenges. 

Through advisory support and capacity-building initiatives, UN DESA builds on national ownership, South-South cooperation and sustainable governance. In 2023 alone, the Department responded to 80 requests from 39 countries, organizing 124 capacity-building events and training over 7,000 participants, nearly half of which were women.  

Engage with us  

UN DESA builds partnerships with governments and the UN family to create the right capacity development support, both in-person and virtual. 

You can read more on our approach in our capacity development brochure for a comprehensive overview of how we can work together to achieve the SDGs. The brochure provides an inside look at our demand-driven approach, where every step of the process is rooted in national priorities and requests. 

With less than six years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, the urgency has never been greater. As time runs short, UN DESA’s tailored, results-driven approach empowers nations to overcome barriers, scale up solutions, and drive the transformative action needed to deliver on the promise of the SDGs.

We believe that sustainable development is a collective journey. We invite you to join us in this mission, leveraging our expertise and resources to achieve your national development goals. Together, we can accelerate progress towards a sustainable future.  

Photo credit: UN DESA/DPIDG