The 2019 Annual Statistical Report on UN Procurement analyzes the combined annual UN spending on goods and services. It shows that the UN’s procurement increased by 5.9 per cent, or $1.1 billion, compared to 2018. 

Pharmaceuticals, contraceptives and vaccines constituted the largest procurement category for the ninth consecutive year and continued to increase in 2019. The UN spent $741 million on medical equipment in 2019, almost a quarter more than in 2018.  

The report also sheds a light on continued efforts to integrate sustainability considerations into the UN’s procurement processes. Over 97 per cent of organizations reported including environmental sustainability as a main consideration in their procurement processes while economic and social considerations also grew. 

Enhancing opportunities for developing and transitioning economies is key to delivering on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2019, UN procurement from developing countries, countries with economies in transition and least developed countries reached an all-time high, $12.3 billion – compared to $11.7 billion in 2018 – representing more than 62 per cent of total UN procurement. This includes $3.9 billion procured from least developed countries – an 11.4 per cent increase compared to 2018.

The United States remained the largest supplier country in 2019, providing $1.7 billion of goods and services to UN organizations. Four developing countries – India, Kenya, United Arab Emirates and Yemen – were among the top ten supplier countries in 2019, with a combined procurement value of $3.4 billion. This represented 17.1 per cent of total UN procurement for 2019, up from 15.8 per cent last year. 

The full report and interactive dashboards are available at: www.ungm.org/asr