UNDP Framework Agreement 2022-2026

On a Framework Programme level, UNDP reports that the coordination mechanisms are functioning as expected, and a strong focus on information sharing and complementarity is sought between the two programme components on air quality and on improving municipal governance. Sida assesses that the programme currently functions well at the overall level, leveraging synergies between components and UNDP-implemented programmes funded by other donors. The result is greater integration and efficiency of the individual interventions. The programme also coordinates with other entities such as UNICEF, SwEPA, UNOPS, SALAR that have complementary programmes in the space. A notable outcome in this regard is UNDP's creation of a so-called Green Portfolio of projects, which joins together the components of the Framework Programme and other projects with an environmental focus, to be overseen and coordinated by one focal point. This has led to important complementarities, both within and outside of the programme, producing a key result in the municipal governance component aimed at developing integrated local development plans. Beyond the plans developed for 16 municipalities based on the methodology created within the Framework Programme, an additional 17 are prepared through a Swiss-funded project implemented by UNDP, maximizing the outreach of the intervention. The above-described outcomes are strongly attributable to momentum created by key UNDP staff members who have been responsible for driving organizational change at UNDP and promoting the new "portfolio approach" methodology. Both of these staff members have left their positions and it is currently unclear to what extent their replacements understand this way of work. This therefore becomes a risk and a dialogue issue between Sida and UNDP. On a programme component level, Sida assesses that implementation is proceeding at a good pace, and all activities are on track and in line with the project document. Specifically, in the air quality intervention: - the source apportionment studies (SAS) in all five municipalities have been completed, as well as the indoor air monitoring (IAM) of 5 schools and 5 kindergartens. Public presentations took place in October and November 2024 and had broad public outreach, intensifying the public debate around air pollution. - the SAS almost universally pinpointed biomass heating as the primary source of air pollution, with traffic a close second place; This conclusion is currently being integrated in the air quality plans of the pilot municipalities. - the IAM of schools and kindergartens discovered PM 2.5 air pollution that exceeds the WHO recommended levels up to 2-3 times throughout the year; This finding has been communicated to relevant line Ministries, and has been the subject of intense media attention; - the process of selecting air quality improvement measures which are to be co-funded 50/50 with the municipalities is ongoing and informed by participatory sessions with citizens at so-called citizen forums. - air quality plans are to be developed/updated during 2024, based on the inputs from the source apportionment studies. In the local governance intervention: - the update of the Municipal Development Index based on the census results, as well as 2022 data was completed in 2023, upon which UNDP proceeded to refine the model to increase reliability and comparability of data. This effort will conclude with the development of protocols and guidelines for the host institution to take over the management of the Index, which has now been agreed to be passed to the Ministry for Local Self-Government. UNDP has been requested to demonstrate concrete results from the implementation of the MDI in the coming period in terms of specific uses by the government to, for example, use it to prioritize capital transfers. - a total of 16 municipalities were supported to implement a new methodology on integrated local development planning, bringing together previously disconnected functions such as urban planning, environment, social inclusion, etc. - the Technical Documentation Fund's first call was completed in 2023 awarding 13 grant agreements in support of approximately 20 priority infrastructure projects at the local and regional level. The second call for applications has also recently been completed, selecting 11 projects with the potential to improve air quality. Examples include replacement of polluting heating systems in schools, closure of non-compliant landfills and public green spaces. UNDP has been requested to produce an analysis of what proportion of these projects has been funded and/or implemented, especially considering the influx of 100 MEUR of government-provided funding for municipalities in 2024. Sida assesses that the Framework Programme is delivering on its stated aims and indicators agreed upon in the project document. It is building strong synergies between the programme components, but also with other UNDP-implemented projects through the recently established Green Portfolio. Concrete outcomes are expected in the coming period in relation to implementing air quality measures, using the MDI to prioritize capital transfers and funding and implementing projects for which technical documentation was created through the TDF.

The overall objective for the Framework Programme is to provide a programmatic framework that will: a) guide the long-term bilateral cooperation; b) ensure strategic dialogue and integrated approach to the development objectives, further enhancing the development impact; c) facilitate clearer and stronger linkages between different interventions to reach and strengthen synergies. The Framework Programme is comprised of complementary projects, of which it currently has two. 1) Scaling-up actions to tackle air pollution The overall objective of the intervention is to further strengthen the capacities of the local governments to design, plan, implement and monitor local action plans aimed at improving the air quality, and increase knowledge and awareness about issues related to air pollution. Particular attention shall be put to strengthening local governments capacities to assess what are the opportunities for and barriers to women's meaningful participation in catalyzing clean air action and how to involve gender aspects in tailoring measures for air quality improvement. 2) Building municipal capacity for project implementation - Phase 2 The overall objectives of the intervention are a) to strengthen the capacity of the national designated institutions (the Ministry for Local Self-Government and the Bureau for Regional Development) to systematically and continuously provide support in creating pipelines of fundable projects at local and regional level; b) to strengthen capacities of local stakeholders (municipalities, regional development centers, civil society and citizens) to actively participate in all stages of project cycle management, starting from planning local development (programming), project selection and (technical documentation), preparation (identification), securing financing, incl. in competitive procedures from external sources (financing), project implementation, incl. transparent and monitored procurement and contracting procedures (implementation), and, finally, evaluation, as the entry stage for the next planning / project cycle.