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In 2018, Member States agreed to a vision for a stronger development coordination function to respond to the paradigm shift ushered in by the 2030 Agenda. Three years later, the implementation of that vision for a reinvigorated Resident Coordinator (RC) system, alongside a new generation of UN Country Teams (UNCTs), is proving its value. Under stronger and more impartial leadership at all levels, the UN development system (UNDS) approached the COVID-19 crisis in emergency mode with a commitment to recovering better and delivering the SDGs during this Decade of Action.

2019 was a watershed year for the UN development system. It was the first full year of efforts to fundamentally transform the system under the reform set in motion by the Member States in 2018. The reform aimed to shift the UN development system towards a more integrated, effective and efficient approach to support countries’ progress for the 2030 Agenda, led by a newly reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system. Over the course of 2019, such a shift has been visible. And the Delivering Together Facility (DTF) has played its part in it.

The new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) sits at the centre of the reforms. It is the most important planning and implementation instrument for UN development activities within countries, translating the vision of Member States into UN actions and impacts on the ground. It heightens the ambition of the UN development system, and makes it more agile and equipped to achieve the transformative results that countries now demand.

Based on the Foundational Primer on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prepared by the United Nations, this summary booklet presents ideas to inspire the work of all parts of governments and societies in the quest for inclusive and sustainable development.

This SDG Primer aims to establish a common base of understanding and approach for the UN system in supporting the 2030 Agenda. It is primarily meant to inform, in broad terms, the programmes and actions of all UN entities, including their engagement with government and civil society partners

The Consolidated Annexes to the Cooperation Framework Guidance are intended for UN country teams as they develop and implement the Cooperation Framework. The annexes include:

General Assembly resolution 72/279 elevates the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (now renamed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework) as “the most important instrument for planning and implementation of the UN development activities at country level in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda).” Given the ambition of the 2030 Agenda and the urgency of its timeline, the resolution represents a significant shift.