United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027): Islamic Republic of Iran

Key Chapter Title List

1. National Progress in Achieving Development Goals
2. Support of the UN Development System for Development
3. From Iran's Needs Analysis to Cooperation Framework Priorities
4. Development Pathway for Cooperation Framework Priorities
5. Cooperation Framework Outcomes
6. Cooperation Framework Principles of Cooperation
7. Cooperation Framework Implementation Plan
8. Cooperation Framework Governance Structure
9. Cooperation Framework Resource Mobilization
10. Cooperation Framework Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
11. Cooperation Framework Results Indicator Framework (Annex)

Document Introduction

This report is the official document of the "United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027)" jointly developed by the United Nations and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This framework aims to reflect and support Iran's national development goals and strategies, serving as the core guiding document for the UN system's development cooperation activities in Iran. The formulation of the framework began in 2021. Through extensive internal consultations and dialogues with domestic partners, the UN Country Team in Iran established an evidence base for priority development needs and opportunities, ultimately shaping a UN vision for development support to Iran based on equitable, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth and development.

The Cooperation Framework establishes five strategic priorities for the UN system's work in Iran in the coming years. First, the Socio-Economic Resilience pillar, grounded in policies supporting a full-employment economy and helping the country realize its "demographic dividend" by focusing on education and skills development. UN agencies will promote inclusive growth by supporting the strengthening of national development plans and programs, including fostering human and social capital development, enhancing institutional capacities, and improving access to comprehensive social protection services. Second, the Public Health Management pillar is dedicated to improving the public health management system, promoting universal health through a resilient health system capable of addressing a wide range of vulnerabilities across different contexts and emergencies, and ensuring all partners are jointly committed to addressing health determinants and risk factors, promoting healthy lifestyles and environments. This includes supporting service delivery and health information systems, building capacity of the health workforce, and improving the accessibility and affordability of medicines and medical services.

Third, the Environmental Protection pillar focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources and the capacity to address climate challenges. This pillar will promote the integration of environmentally friendly policies across all sectors, encourage improved natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, and strive to enhance the country's capacity for climate action, including through advocacy for climate financing internationally. Fourth, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management pillar will support the integration of disaster reduction into the planning of development plans and programs, strengthen institutional capacities for effective preparedness, response, and recovery, and enhance the capabilities of personnel working in disaster resistance, reduction, and preparedness. This pillar will assist in mainstreaming disaster reduction into development plans and programs among a wide range of stakeholders and is committed to improving institutional capacities for managing disaster reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Fifth, in the area of Drug Control, the Cooperation Framework will support improving access to evidence-based drug prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and drug-related services, and help strengthen national capacities for effective border management and control of drug trafficking (including drug-related crimes) by providing effective international financial and technical assistance. UN partners will work to increase and improve existing services and collaborate with the government to address border management, illicit drug trafficking, and drug-related crimes.

To achieve the above objectives, the UN's contribution to Iran's national development goals will take various forms, including but not limited to: supporting capacity development of institutions and entities; providing technical support for results-based planning; helping establish an evidence base through improved data collection, analysis, and reporting; promoting and strengthening multi-sectoral approaches to problem-solving; identifying and providing global best practices through South-South and triangular cooperation; facilitating knowledge transfer and technical support; and providing baselines and conducting impact assessments for development outcomes. The cooperation envisioned by the framework is based on the fundamental principles of national ownership and leadership to ensure that joint development operational activities under the framework are fully aligned with the government's development policies and priorities. To mobilize resources, UN system agencies will provide financial and other support for the formulation and implementation of framework activities and will develop strategies for financing the framework through donor support.