The United Nations Sustainable Development Co-operation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027 was launched yesterday (17) by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the United Nations (UN) in Sri Lanka. The UNSDCF is the framework that guides the work of all UN Agencies in Sri Lanka and articulates the collective vision and contribution of the UN to support Sri Lanka to accelerate actions toward the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Co-operation Framework gives primacy to accelerating actions to ensure a rapid recovery from the economic crisis along with the impact of Covid-19, prioritising support to revitalise the economy and economic activities, social services, decent employment, social cohesion, and health and wellbeing for all people in Sri Lanka. The UNSDCF was co-signed by Secretary to the Treasury Mahinda Siriwardana on behalf of the GoSL and UN Resident Co-ordinator in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer-Hamdy on behalf of the UN. Heads of UN agencies, funds, and programmes in Sri Lanka also signed the Co-operation Framework. The signing ceremony hosted at the Ministry of Finance was also attended by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and UN Development Co-ordination Office Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific David McLachlan-Karr. Speaking at the event, Siriwardana noted that “the current global challenges demonstrate the continued importance for multilateral solutions that bring together the international community around shared priorities. This Co-operation Framework with the UN in Sri Lanka will be key as we pursue sustainable and inclusive development for the people of Sri Lanka”. Elaborating further, Singer-Hamdy said: “This Co-operation Framework is mutually owned and anchored in national development priorities, the 2030 Agenda, and the principles of the UN Charter. The UNSDCF is structured around four interrelated and mutually reinforcing strategic priorities, where the UN system will concentrate its expertise to support Sri Lanka to make transformational and accelerated progress. “These strategic priorities cover inclusive and equitable human development and wellbeing; resilient and green recovery and growth for shared prosperity and environmental sustainability; social cohesion and inclusive governance and justice; and gender equality. Of course, our work will be underpinned by a crosscutting commitment to support rapid recovery from the economic crisis and the impact of Covid-19.” She further noted that programmes by the UN System will be anchored in the principles of human rights and non-discrimination and ensure that “no one is left behind”. “The 2023-2027 Development Co-operation Framework reflects Sri Lanka’s national development priorities while working in partnership with the UN Country Team towards the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is being concluded at a very significant moment in Sri Lanka when transformational changes are being operationalised on the economic and social fronts. The framework is also an important shift for the UN system in enhanced national level coordination in the delivery of its development activities,” Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wijewardane said. The UNSDCF will be funded through core budget allocations of an estimated $ 60 million, in addition to approximately $ 325 million through other resources, spread across the five-year period of implementation.