Capacity development and ownership of national development strategies are essential for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. The United Nations General Assembly has defined capacity development as a core function of the United Nations development system and called for a coherent and coordinated approach of the United Nations development system to capacity development efforts of programme countries.

The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) recognizes capacity development as one of five key principles for UN country programming – alongside a human rights-based approach, gender equality, environmental sustainability and results-based management. The UNDG has agreed on a common approach to capacity development and articulated the role of UN country teams in a joint position statement. The UNDG capacity assessment methodology guides assessment of capacities and formulation of capacity development strategies at the country level.

For governments to fully own, achieve, and account for the priorities in the national development framework, they must assess their capacity development needs, respond to those needs and evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts. UN country teams can play a critical role in helping governments to achieve these tasks. They must aim to support national efforts to develop lasting capacities at individual, institutional and societal levels. In line with a human rights-based approach, these capacities will help rights holders to claim their rights and duty bearers to meet their obligations.

As there is no “one size fits all” solution, support for capacity development needs to be tailored to the specific needs and context of each country. The guidance, tools and resources on this page are intended to help UN country teams to meet this challenge.

Policy Framework
Guidance and Tools
Good Practices
Reference Documents
Further Resources