UNDP is the global development network of the United Nations system. It advocates for change and connects countries to the knowledge, experiences, and resources that their people need to improve their living conditions.

UNDP has been present in Côte d'Ivoire since 1961. It integrates its action into the United Nations Framework Plan for Development Assistance to Côte d'Ivoire (UNDAF), which is itself aligned with national development priorities. It is a programmatic framework, backed by the National Development Plan, on the basis of which the programmes of each of the agencies of the United Nations system are developed. UNDP is a development architect working to reduce economic, social and environmental inequalities.