The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
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A moment of reflection: UNOPS impact around the world
UNOPS proudly announces the winners of the latest Project of the Year Awards – an annual internal initiative that celebrates the impact of transformative projects.
UNOPS Project of the Year Awards recognize outstanding achievements in project delivery, highlighting our operations across all regions. Out of some 1,100 projects implemented by UNOPS in over 80 countries in 2023, six were chosen.
Each project is assessed on a range of criteria including gender, diversity and social inclusion considerations. The project’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals is also considered. The winning projects demonstrate excellence in project management and embody UNOPS mission, vision and values throughout their implementation.
Through this Awards ceremony, we take a moment to reflect on the positive impact of UNOPS operations around the world, and to recognize the unwavering dedication of our colleagues to deliver on our mission.
“From responding to conflicts and crises to supporting climate action, the projects highlighted today are just a snapshot of UNOPS critical work addressing urgent needs, and providing practical solutions that help lay the foundations for peace and sustainable development,” added Jorge Moreira da Silva.
Winners of the 2023 Project of the Year Awards are:
Zimbabwe
When Cyclone Idai made landfall, it was one of the deadliest cyclones to ever hit Africa. It destroyed lives, livelihoods and infrastructure. In response, the World Bank-funded Zimbabwe Idai Recovery Project – managed by UNOPS – brought together various UN organizations with different expertise to help the country recover. The $72 million project supported communities in the immediate aftermath of the disaster – and helped build the foundations for long-term resilience and regional recovery.
Yemen
With $150 million in funding from the World Bank’s International Development Association, UNOPS with support from local partners, restored critical urban services in cities through the Yemen Integrated Urban Services Emergency Project. More than 3 million people are benefiting from improved access to water and sanitation, transport, energy and solid waste management services – helping to improve health outcomes, basic living conditions and local economic activity. More than 1.6 million temporary jobs were created for residents, helping build local capacity and resilience in communities affected by conflict.
Mali
Funded by the United Nations Mine Action Service and in support of MINUSMA*, UNOPS provided explosive threat mitigation support in Mali. Expanding on ongoing efforts to address the growing danger of explosive ordnance, the project helped strengthen the capacity of the national authorities in Mali to handle explosives safely and reduce the risk of harm to both civilians and UN peacekeepers. Initiatives included advanced training in explosive threat mitigation, the provision of specialized equipment, and mentoring.
Albania
As part of its support for Albania’s COVID-19 emergency response – and to expand access to high-quality medical services – UNOPS partnered with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to renovate the Infectious Diseases Clinic within the Mother Teresa Hospital in Tirana. Funded through a €13.5 million World Bank loan, the works transformed the facility into a state-of-the-art health clinic that serves more than 10,000 patients a year.
Afghanistan
The Afghanistan Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project works directly with more than 9,000 communities. It is set to benefit over 14 million Afghans, across 10 cities, 29 provinces and 98 rural districts. The $419 million initiative is funded by the World Bank and the Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund, and managed by UNOPS.
To improve the provision of health services, UNOPS supported Guatemala’s Social Security Institute (IGSS) to strengthen the efficiency and transparency of its medicines and medical supplies procurement processes. Through the project, UNOPS designed policies and trained 600 staff in sustainable public procurement and supply chain management, and helped stock 114 health facilities across the country with medicine. The six-year project resulted in an estimated savings of around $250 million, with around 57 per cent savings on the purchase of medicines – improving healthcare for an estimated 3.2 million Guatemalans.
