UNFPA is the world’s largest internationally funded source of population assistance, directly managing one quarter of the world’s population assistance to developing countries.

To be an effective force for development, UNFPA requires a predictable and assured resource base. Shortfalls and sudden changes in funding levels disrupt programmes and undermine partnerships and commitments.

Funded entirely by voluntary contributions, UNFPA counts on support from two primary sources: governments and intergovernmental organizations, and private sector groups and individuals.

Income

Total income (provisional) for 2001 was $396.4 million, compared to $367.4 million for 2000.

Regular income (provisional) was $268.7 million, an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to regular income of $264.0 million in 2000. This includes $258.3 million for voluntary contributions from donor governments and a private contribution from Mars Trust, $9.7 million for interest receivable and other contributions of $0.6 million.

Regular resources are at the core of our work, steadily supporting UNFPA country programmes in developing countries, primarily through governmental pledges. They also are used for programme support and management and administration of the organization.

Other contributions (provisional) totalled $123.5 million, an increase of 19 per cent compared to other income of $103.4 million in 2000.

When interest receivable of $4.1 million and other income of $0.2 million are added, the total income for other resources is $127.8 million in 2001.

Other resources are earmarked for specific activities, and contributions have been growing in recent years. Income from other resources includes trust funds, cost-sharing programme arrangements and other restricted funds.

Expenditures

Project expenditures in 2001 totalled $171.7 million, as compared to $127.5 million in 2000.

This includes $144.0 million for country programmes in 2001, compared to $110.5 million in 2000; and $27.7 million for intercountry (regional and interregional) programmes, compared to $17 million for 2000.

Technical advisory programmes amounted to $17.7 million, and administrative and operational support (AOS) costs totalled $5.0 million.

Of the total expenditures, UNFPA provided $119.2 million in assistance for reproductive health and family planning; $34.2 million for population and development strategies; $16 million for advocacy; and $2.3 million for multisector assistance. These expenditures were authorized by the Executive Director to meet recommendations approved by the Executive Board for programme assistance.

Regional spending

In 2001, UNFPA provided support to 141 developing countries and countries with economies in transition: 45 in sub-Saharan Africa, 39 in the Arab States and Eastern Europe, 33 in Asia and the Pacific, and 24 in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The region of sub-Saharan Africa received the largest percentage of UNFPA assistance at $57 million, followed by Asia and the Pacific at $55.9 million, the Arab States and Europe at $22.6 million and Latin America and the Caribbean at $16.9 million.

Interregional and global assistance amounted to $19.3 million.

Demonstrating results

UNFPA actively participates in processes designed to increase cooperation and efficiency among UN agencies. In 2001, we took steps to harmonize country programme planning with UNDP, a process that is driven by countries according to national priorities and needs. We also participated in inter-agency initiatives such as sectorwide approaches (SWAps), Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs), Common Country Assessments (CCAs), and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).

To make the most of limited resources to produce the best results, UNFPA has initiated an overall shift towards results-based management, including the use of the multi-year funding framework (MYFF).

The first-ever report on the MYFF was prepared in 2001, based on information collected from 123 countries.

This overview of UNFPA activity will help guide field offices and improve the use of indicators that measure progress from year to year. An emphasis on development change rather than on activities is expected to improve monitoring, increase accountability, demonstrate more concrete results and help attract more funding.

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