UN, India sign Development Action Framework for 2013-17

NEW DELHI: The UN Development Action Framework (UNDAF) for India for 2013-2017 was signed between the United Nations and Planning Commission here today.

The UN Development Action Framework (DAF) is the overarching framework that articulates the UN system's vision, strategy and plan of action in support of national development efforts over a five-year period.

UNDAF 2013-2017 is the third development framework between the government of India and the United Nations, an official statement said.

Signing of the UNDAF will pave the way for UN entities operating in India to finalise their respective Country Programme Documents and work plans with their respective 'line ministries'.

The UNDAF 2013-2017 is harmonised with the 12th Five-Year Plan's (2012-17) objectives of faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth.

It aims at the attainment of six development outcomes -- inclusive growth, food and nutrition security, gender equality, equitable access to quality basic services, governance and sustainable development.

The new UNDAF will focus the efforts of the UN on nine states -- Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.

Under the framework, the UN system will also consider selected interventions in the North-East, including HIV/AIDS, human development index/child development index, human and child rights programmes.

The UNDAF focuses on joint work in areas where the UN has a collective comparative advantage in adding value to national development efforts.

The foreword to the document has been signed by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Twenty UN entities, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Labour Organisation, UNESCO and World Health Organisation, are signatories to the document.

Signing of the UN Development Action Framework (UNDAF) marks the culmination of an eight-month-long exercise co-led by the Planning Commission and UN in partnership with various ministries of the government of India, international development partners, civil society and other key development partners.