The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
UNOPS marks 30 years of impact at UN Headquarters event
At a special event held at UN Headquarters in New York, senior UN officials, government representatives and partners came together to reflect on three decades of impact – and the unique role UNOPS can play in helping to address growing global challenges now and ahead.
For 30 years, UNOPS has been a driving force in delivering practical solutions to the world's most pressing challenges – making projects happen and responding where needs are greatest.
Since its establishment as an independent UN organization in 1995, UNOPS has worked to respond to critical humanitarian and development needs. From rebuilding communities after natural disasters, to helping nations recover from conflict, UNOPS has played a vital role in providing practical solutions where needs are greatest – promoting peace, equality and prosperity, and advancing sustainable development.
Held on the sidelines of the 2025 first regular session of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board this week, the special event was an opportunity to reflect on the important contributions the organization has made to humanitarian, development and peace operations, through its work with the UN family and partners.
Guests reflected on UNOPS role in responding to crises – from supporting post-tsunami reconstruction in Indonesia to removing chemical weapons in Syria. And more recently, UNOPS unique contribution to response efforts in conflict-affected areas.
Conflicts are challenging our role at the UN, making it seem at times as if we are powerless. But when I look at the work UNOPS is doing, particularly in Gaza, I see extraordinary efforts being made under incredibly difficult circumstances. The same is true in Ukraine, Sudan, and other regions where few dare to go, but we go.
“We are proud of these 30 years, but more importantly, we look ahead to the next five, knowing that we will continue to work within the UN development system to drive meaningful change,” said the UN Deputy Secretary-General.
Permanent Representative of Ecuador and President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS, Andrés Montalvo Sosa, said: “Trust in multilateralism can only be restored through concrete results, by delivering practical solutions that make a tangible difference. UNOPS plays a crucial role in this effort, providing essential infrastructure, procurement expertise, and project management in some of the most complex and pressing contexts.”
“Over the past days, we have heard compelling examples of how UNOPS focus on implementation translates into real, measurable improvements in people’s lives, particularly in areas of greatest need. Gaza is a striking example of this today,” he added.
The event also introduced UNOPS vision for its work in the years ahead, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting the world’s most vulnerable communities. As global challenges grow more complex, UNOPS remains focused on providing the practical solutions needed to make a tangible impact – for people and the planet.
“Today, we celebrated UNOPS 30th anniversary and marked the conclusion of a three-year reform process. As we open a new chapter, the focus must now be on scaling up and accelerating delivery to meet the immense development and humanitarian needs around the world,” said UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva.
At the event, Mr. Moreira da Silva also introduced a new publication which documents the experiences of leading management reforms at UNOPS since 2022.
“As we step into 2025 and beyond, this will be a chapter dedicated to action and the practical solutions the world needs to address the critical issues it faces,” said Mr. Moreira da Silva.
