The UNDG LAC mission aims to enhance UN System-wide coherence at the regional level and support UNCTs at the country level in order to deliver as one and achieve sustainable human development for all. Since 2003, UNDG LAC has had a history of close collaboration to address pressing issues in the region and to support developmental, environmental, and humanitarian priorities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The UNDG LAC addresses key issues together, including: support for UN Country Teams in strategic programming; common UN development assistance frameworks (UNDAF) and joint programmes; HIV/AIDS; child malnutrition; integrated support for MDGs; inter-agency support for crisis and emergency prevention and response; RC/UNCT appraisal and accountability; and operational support. Specific focus is concentrated on middle-income countries, sub-national level inequalities, excluded groups (eg. indigenous, afro-descendant, women), and sub-regional and cross-border issues.

The UNDG LAC is one of the most inclusive Regional Directors teams with 15 agencies as regular members: UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP, PAHO/WHO, ECLAC (Regional Commission), OCHA, UNIFEM, UNAIDS, ILO, UNEP, OHCHR, UNOPs, UNHCR, and UN Habitat. FAO and UNESCO also participate in specific meetings depending on the agenda. The UNDG LAC includes all interested Regional Directors with management responsibilities linked to programmes in the countries or region, and with regular involvement in UNDG LAC meetings and activities. UNDG LAC membership originally consisted of the four ExComs, as mandated in 2003, but expanded to six members in 2006 and progressively to 15 in 2008.

For more information on the work of the UNDG LAC, please click on the links below to read about the Country Support, Minutes & Annual Reports, Regional Priorities, and Specific Meeting & Events of the RDT. If you did not find what you were looking for, please contact the UNDG LAC Secretariat.

Country Support
Regional Priorities
Minutes & Annual Reports
Specific Meetings & Events

UNDG LAC Key Roles

• Strategic Programme Support, Guidance and Quality Assurance (QSA) for UNCTs in UN country programming including: CCA & UNDAF (through the Peer Support Group), joint programming, MDGs, HIV/AIDS, Delivering as One, and other emerging issues;
• Oversight of policy implementationto ensure global policies are implemented at the regional and country level;
• Identification of Specific Regional Priorities, including sub-national inequalities, MDGs in health, vulnerable groups (indigenous, afro-descendant, women), nutrition, MIC issues, and cross border issues, among others;
• Inter-agency RC/UNCT Appraisal, oversight, and support;
• Integrated Support for Emergency and Crisis Prevention, Preparedness and Response (through IASC); and
• Direct Support to specific UNCTs in Need, including those in crisis and those piloting new initiatives.

Establishment of Panama Regional Center

UNDG LAC is establishing a regional common premises for co-location of regional entities in Panama City, City of Knowledge. This will increase collaboration, efficiency and dialogue as requested by the General Assembly TCPR. Funds are needed to renovate the premise offered by the Government of Panama, to make a green regional center that can host all regional entities in one location.